Honours well spread in youth competitions at East of England Smithfield Festival

Youngsters from across the UK took the top honours in a brace of competitions for young people at last week’s East of England Smithfield Festival, Peterborough, with winners from England, Scotland and Wales collecting the top tickets.

The Young Stockperson of the year finals saw a duo of English winners in the younger age catergory for those aged 15 to 17 years old, with the first prize in this age group going to Newark, Nottinghamshire-based Liam Goodard. Second to Liam was William Riddington, currently a student at Hartbury College, Gloucestershire, and hailing from Oundle, Northamptonshire.

In the senior section for handlers aged 18-21 years old the top spot was taken by Wrexham youngster Kevin Jones, while second spot went to Kirkmichael, South Ayrshire-based Louise Allan.

Judge Boomer Birch said all the competitors had impressed him with their knowledge and cattle handling skills, with the winners real beacons for the future of the industry. “Everyone in the final deserved to be there, they are exceptionally talented young people with great knowledge and a real passion for the livestock industry. The winners were truly outstanding and are give me huge confidence that the industry is in safe hands going forward.”

Meanwhile, the College Challenge stockjudging competition was equally hard fought, with 22 teams of four vying for top spot.

Taking top place in this competition was a team of four from Riseholme College, Lincoln, with second place going to Bishop Burton College, York.

The victorious Riseholme team comprised Jackson Maplethorpe, 16, Vicky Haywood, 18, Alex Walker 17 and Lucy Robinson, 18.

Meanwhile the Bishop Burton team included 21 year old Peter Elcombe, Lydia Hewison, 18, Jess Milner, 19 and Andrew Holt, 17.

Taking third spot was another team from Riseholme, with this team made up of Charles Wagstaff, 18, Will Harrison, 17, Gemma Parkinson, 23 and Tom Robinson, 16.

And taking fourth spot was Reaseheath College, with this team being Lizzy Mercer, 19, Tom Bird, 18, Ross Towers, 19 and Stephen Taylor, also 19.

Joint judges William Haire and Jonathan Long said all the competing teams had set a high standard and were to be commended on their knowledge and judging skills. “This is a great competition and truly tested each team’s ability to the maximum.”

Historic Northern Irish wins cap superb East of England Smithfield Festival

This year’s East of England Smithfield Festival, Peterborough, saw strong competition across both cattle and sheep sections, with a brace of historic Northern Irish wins in both the supreme cattle championship and the Baby Beef championship.

Taking the supreme championship, the first time a Northern Irish exhibitor had lifted the top title, were Dermot and Gareth Small with their Limousin cross heifer Khaleesi.

Shown by Stephanie Dick, this heifer is a daughter of the noted crossbred calf breeder Swarland Eddie and was bred by fellow Northern Irishman James Alexander, Randalstown, and has an impressive show record behind her.

Previously supreme champion at Agri-Expo and reserve heifer champion at Livescot, she was also reserve commercial champion at Balmoral back in May.

Khaleesi weighed 622kg on show day and was praised by judge Wendy Morgan for her evenness of fleshing as well as here show ring style and sparkle. “She’s an exceptionally well put together heifer with a balance of fleshing throughout and a great cover across her loin and her plates.”

Following this exceptional heifer through from her class to take the reserve crossbred heifer title, the reserve overall heifer championship and the reserve supreme championship was Cai Edwards at the halter of the Edwards family’s heifer Miss Halfpenny.

This one is again Limousin sired, being by a Penygelly bull bred by Bryan Griffiths, Kerry, Newtown, and weighed in at 542kg. She was reserve commercial champion at the Royal Welsh in July as well as being first at Agri-Expo and first at the Welsh Winter Fair earlier this week.

Taking the overall steer championship was James Nesbitt’s Carmorn Cantona sired bullock Maybe This Time. Bred by William McAllister, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, this one was steer champion at Agri-Expo in October as well as being reserve champion at the Royal Highland this summer. He was shown weighing 612kg.

Another Limousin sired bullock then took the reserve overall steer championship, with this being purebred Limousin steer Ivor, from Elfed Williams, Sennybridge

Ivor came through from the show’s purebred classes, having been tapped out first as purebred steer champion and then as overall purebred champion before collecting the reserve steer title.

He is sired by Glangwdn Charlie he is out of Church Daisy and was bought privately in September at Sennybridge Show.

This one was champion pure Limousin steer at the English Winter Fair and the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Taking the exhibitor bred championship were Andrew and Becky Bishop with their Blonde sired heifer Black Beauty. This one has picked up a fistful of red tickets throughout the year, including being champion AOB at Countryside Live and champion Blonde cross at the English Winter Fair.

Reserve homebred honours fell to Tecwyn Jones’ Millgate Fame sired heifer Candy Crush when she took the reserve exhibitor bred championship.

Another with a strong show record she was first at Beef Expo in May and having won a number of red tickets at local shows. She is a maternal sister to Tecwyn’s successful show heifer Tequila.

And Milton Keynes-based Mike Dickens and family had a good day too, taking the reserve purebred Continental title with their Limousin heifer Dinmore Istria a 626kg heifer, a Hafodlas Cymro daughter out of the noted dam Fleethill Sal.

Sheep

Having dominated the first day’s sheep judging, collecting a total of nine red tickets, Daventry-based David and Linda Wadland were odds on to lift the supreme championship sheep championship, the only question needing answering was which pair they’d win with.

Having picked up both the native and Continental championships it came down to a battle between his Southdown crosses and Texel sired lambs, with the Texels taking the top ticket.

This pair which were also supreme champions at the English Winter Fair three weeks ago are by a tup bred by the Prince family and tipped the scales at 91kg. This pair also won the Continental purebred title, with David ably assisted by trimmer Kate Gunn.

Judge Matt Prince said his champions were a perfectly matched pair, being even throughout and well fleshed through both their loins and gigots. “They handled like lead and were just a superbly matched pair of lambs.”

Following them through from the Continental championship to lift the reserve overall title were Andrew Morton’s pair of Beltex sired lambs out of Beltex cross ewes. These are by a homebred sire which is himself a son of Beachy Norman and was sire of the reserve champion carcass at LiveScot. This duo weighed 92kg.

David Wadland’s native champions were a pair of Southdown x Beltex lambs by a tup bred by Daniel Bunting and headed this championship ahead of Malcolm Stewart’s Suffolk crosses.

Picking up the native purebred title in an uncontested championship were the Southdown pair of Messrs Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer.

Baby Beef

In the events Baby Beef classes it was another first time Northern Irish win with Robert Miller’s heifer Dashing Lady taking top spot here. This British Blue cross heifer is by Dafydd D’Ochain and is out of a Limousin x British Blue dam. She was champion at the English Winter Fair and reserve at Agri-Expo.

Another of the primestock show season’s prolific winners scooped the reserve championship honours when Pokerlicious from Devon-based Michael and Melanie Alford took the tickets.

This Limousin cross is by Easegillhead Exterminate and was reserve champion at the English Winter Fair and champion at Agri-Expo and reserve at Countryside Live.

Winning the native Baby Beef championship was Mike Rowlands’ Hereford cross steer, Harry the Hereford. Sired by Haven 1 Bulldozer he’s out of a pedigree British Blue cow.

Reserve native championship honours went to the winner of the heifer class, Warehams Patsy, a Galloway from Jason and Sarah Wareham.

Pedigree Calf Show

Taking the interbreed championship in the pedigree calf show under judge Peter Donger, Northamptonshire, was the Charolais champion, Danny and Jane Wyllie’s bull calf Newroddige Innovation.

Born in October 2013 he is the second bull calf by the 10,000gns Esgob Ferrari which was champion at Welshpool in 2012, while his dam is Newroddige Fuchsia.

Taking the reserve spot was Jason and Sarah Wareham’s British Blue bull calf Warehams Jon Boy who came through as champion from the Any Other Breed section. This January 2014-born Empire D’Ochain son is out of Wareham’s Diamond.

In the interbreed group of three the championship fell to Lincoln Red trio, with Peter Donger saying this team were an evenly balanced, well turned out group.

The team was made up of the breed champion Springwood Treasure T93, a Walmer Piper sired heifer from Springwood Farm, Tommy Charlton’s reserve champion Vickers Field Tommy, a Fenlady Hereward son and Auchmacoy Grace T236 an Auchmacoy Orlando daughter from Messrs Benge and Coulter.

Standing reserve was the Limousin team, made up of the third prize bull calf Foxhillfarm Jasper, a Loosebeare Fantastic son out of Bankdale Alice. He was joined by his full sister Foxhillfarm Just the One and Foxhillfarm Josie, an Objat daughter out of Bankdale Elizabeth.

Carcasses and beef ribs

Taking the championship in the lamb carcass classes were Andrew and James Bailey with the Beltex cross carcass from their Ivanhoe Livestock enterprise, Bedale, North Yorkshire, with this one grading E3L.

Reserve champion was Robin Slade with a Dutch Texel cross carcass by a homebred sire which graded E3L also.

In the Beef Ribs the winner was a set of ribs from Michael Read, with these coming from a Limousin cross heifer which killed out at 370.4 kg

While reserve went to the Needham family with their British Blue x Lincoln Red ribs from a heifer carcass which weighed 332kg.

December 2013: Smithfield champions destined for Harrods of Knightsbridge

This year's East of England Smithfield Festival, Peterborough, had it all, a top class show of prime cattle and sheep, top quality judges and buyers prepared to dig deep to secure the very best beef and lamb for their customers' Christmas counters.

And while the halycon days of London may be a distant memory for many Smithfield showgoers, there was an extra touch of London glamour added to this year's show with both the supreme champion beast and the champion lambs destined to grace the food hall of leading Knightsbridge department store, Harrods.

Commenting on the event's success show chairman Charles Horrell said it had once again provided a fitting finale to the winter primestock season. "This year's East of England Smithfield Festival has been a resounding success, with top quality stock forward in every section and an exceptional set of judges presiding over the classes throughout.

"The atmosphere and buzz around the event has been great and we look forwards to welcoming exhibitors and visitors back to Peterborough in 2014 for an even bigger and better event."

Lifting the overall cattle championship and fufilling a boyhood dream was Castle Douglas-based exhibitor and freelance stockman Drew Hyslop  and his partner Katie Davidson with their Charolais cross heifer, Bang Tidy.

This heifer, sired by Glenrock Eiger, was bought privately from Hugh and Lynne Dunlop, Holehouse, Ochiltree, making it the fourth Holehouse-bred beast to have collected the Smithfield championship.

Tipping the scales at 602kg Bang Tidy came through as crossbred Continental heifer champion and then overall heifer champion, under judge Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth,  before being tapped out as the show's supreme champion beast.

Bred from a Limousin cross dam this heifer had been a first prize winner at the Scottish Winter Fair.

Commenting on his champion Mr MacGregor said she was an ultimate show beast and a more than worthy Smithfield winner. "She handles exceptionally well, has a great loin and length to her and has that all important added sparkle needed in the showring. She was without question the best beast here today."

In the traditional show auction conducted by Newark Livestock Market Bang Tidy collected the highest price of the day when selling for £8000 to William and Robert Woodward of Bowood Yorkshire Lamb buying on behalf of Harrods.

It was another heifer which came through to collect the reserve overall championship too, this time a purebred Limousin heifer from the Harryman family, Keswick, Cumbria.

The Harryman's reserve heifer champion and reserve overall winner was Keskadale Gamel, a June 2011-born heifer by Sarkley Volvo and weighing 724kg. Gamel won the purebred heifer championship and overall purebred title before going on to collect the reserve supreme championship and the King's Cup for the best homebred beast at the show.

And in a rare twist Gamel became the first beast to win the King's Cup for the second year in succession, having been homebred champion at last year's show too. Prior to her Smithfield return she had taken a red ticket at Agri-Expo, Carlisle, and stood second at the English Winter Fair as well winning numerous championships throughout the summer. She later sold at £3000 and heads to Scotland for breeding.

Taking the show's overall steer championship for a record sixth year on the trot were the Alford family, Mike, Melanie and Charlotte, with their Limousin cross steer Harlem Shake. This one was bred by O J Kendall,  and was bought from the Leyburn Spring Spectacular earlier in the year.

Sired by Cawfields Dazzler, Harlem Shake was steer champion at the Royal Welsh Show in the summer, as well as the Great Yorkshire and Royal Highland Show and has been a first prize winner on the winter circuit as well as claiming the steer championship and reserve overall at the Scottish Winter Fair last week.

Another long-time Smithfield supporter then collected the reserve steer championship when Sennybridge-based Elfed Williams' steer Dynamite Dougie scooped these honours.

Bred by Wilson Peters and bought at the Caledonian Marts Calf Sale in September for £4500, Dougie is a son of Normande Adventurer and is out of a Limousin cross dam.  He was reserve overall champion at last week's Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Reserve crossbred Continental heifer championship honours fell to Cumnock's Ian Lammie. Mr Lammie's winner was the winner of the heavy weight British Blue sired heifer class Sweet Cheeks, a 698kg entry bred by Andy Woodburn.

Taking the reserve overall purebred title was Tim and Kitty Bodily’s reserve continental champion Llanymynach Hiccup. This home bred British Blue heifer is by Dartanjan and the only heifer out of Black and Blue Cleopatra. She weighed 602kg on show day.

Leading the way in the Native purebred classes was Mouswald-based Aberdeen-Angus breeder Matt Currie with his Angus steer Base Jumper. This 712kg Catrionas MacAllan son stood Aberdeen-Angus champion at the Scottish Winter Fair.

Standing reserve to him was the Philip Claridge with his South Devon heifer Knowlhill Sally 21. She is by Knowlhill Duke and weighed 614kg on her first outing and is from a herd of 240 cows including 150 South Devons.

Standing top of the line in the Baby Beef championships was John Smith-Jackson, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, with his home bred British Blue cross heifer calf, She’s a Diamond. Sired by Heatherview Copper and out of a Limousin cross cow, this one weighed 362kg and was champion at Agri-Expo at the beginning of November.

Reserve overall Baby Beef championship honours fell to Alistair and Elizabeth Vance, Newton Stewart, with their Limousin cross heifer Bonnie Betty.

This May born heifer is by Wilodge Azure and was a winner at Colmonell and Wigtown Shows and was reserve Baby Beef winner at Agri-Expo, Carlisle, last month.

Standing top of the Native Baby Beef classes were Jason and Sarah Wareham with their Galloway-sired steer calf Cheeky Vimto. Homebred, this one is by Ballavair Black Jack who was purchased at Castle Douglas and is out of a British Blue x Limousin dam. Currently weighing 310kg, he has picked up three seconds this back end as well as the reserve champion steer calf at Birmingham last month.

Galloway cattle continued their reign in this championship with Tim and Kitty Bodily standing reserve to the Wareham’s with Foxhillfarm Super Bonzo, by Quartz of Kilsnstown. Purchased on his dam at the Alford family’s dispersal of their Galloway herd in Brecon, this one weighs 375kg and was steer calf champion at the Welsh Winter Fair last week.

In the show's beef ribs competition the winner was Robert Needham, Louth. Mr Needham's winning ribs came from a British Blue cross Lincoln Red heifer, born in March 2012.

The reserve title was awarded to Michael Read, Horncastle with these ribs coming from a Limousin cross steer, weighing 324.2kg.

Sheep

In the sheep section it was a pair of Beltex cross lambs from Herefordshire-based producer Robin Slade which collected the overall championship.

Mr Slade was winning his first live championship at Smithfield and achieved a rare triple at the event, taking the carcass title and reserve carcass championship too, this time with Dutch Texel sired lambs from his Weekfield flock.

The champions, a pair of homebred ewe lambs came through as the overall Continental champions under judge Stuart Clatworthy, Somerset.  They tipped the scales at 91kg and were described by Mr Clatworthy as more than deserving champions, being an evenly matched pair of lambs with exceptional tops, loins and ends. “Throughout the show the top end of every class has been outstanding, it's a credit to all the exhibitors to have such a strong selection of lambs to pick from.”

These lambs are also destined for Harrods having been bought by the Woodward family for a new Smithfield record price of £5100 apiece after a frenetic bidding battle.

Mr Slade's carcass champion a homebred Dutch Texel, killed out at 22kg achieving an E3L classification. Sired by a homebred tup from the Weekfield flock, this lamb weighed 38kg alive. A very similar pure-bred Dutch Texel gained his reserve card which again graded at E3L and weighed 22.5kg.

Taking the reserve Continental and reserve overall championship spot were a pair of Blue Texel cross lambs from David and Linda Wadland, Daventry. This pair, by a Whatmore sire bred by Steve and Sara Gibbons weighed in at 79kg the pair and it was a close run thing for the championship, said Mr Clatworthy. These lambs sold at £380/head under the gavel of Newark sheep auctioneer James Sealy.

The overall Native championship once again went the way of Melrose's Malcolm Stewart, with Mr Stewart notching up another Native championship at  the event with Suffolk sired lambs.

Mr Stewart's champions are by a homebred tup from his Sandyknowe flock and out of homebred Beltex cross ewes. They emerged from a strong line-up to take the Native title, including another pair of Suffolks from Mr Stewart, the winners of the untrimmed Suffolk cross class.

Reserve in the overall native championship went to a pair of Southdown x Beltex cross lambs from Jonathan and Chrissie Long, Kent. In the Continental purebred championship the winners were a pair of Texels from David and Linda Wadland, with a pair of Dutch Texels from Robin Slade standing reserve.

The Native purebred title also fell to the Long family, with a pair of purebred Southdown whether lambs with a pair of South Country Cheviots from Stephen Cobbald taking the reserve title here.

Calf Shows

The show also hosted a number of pedigree calf shows and Alloa-based Richard, Carol and Jamie Rettie scooped top honours here when their Aberdeen-Angus heifer calf Retties Lady Ruth N228, won the overall interbreed championship. This heifer came to Peterborough on an impressive run at the winter calf shows and was pick of the draw at the recent pure calf show of Angus cattle at the Scottish Winter Fair.

She is by Rawburn Elysium F547, this one is out of Wall Lady Ruth E397 who was purchased at the Wall dispersal sale.

Standing reserve interbreed champion and again fresh from a reserve championship win at Edinburgh were Mike, Melanie and Charlotte Alford with Foxhillfarm Izzy. This one is by the noted Wilodge Vantastic and is out of Bankdale Alice, making her full sister to last year’s champion and multi award winning heifer Foxhillfarm Gracie.

The Alford family then celebrated further success when they won the Duke of Norfolk trophy for the best team of three pedigree calves, with the Shorthorn team standing reserve. Reserve to them was the Beef Shorthorn team of three from Tracey Severn. Charles and Sally Horrell and Brenda Wear.

Reserve spot in the Angus lines went to Wickmere Poppy N623 from A Hurn and partners, born in January she is by Jerusalem Mr Bojangles G130 and out of Balioua Pearl H173.

Meanwhile, reserve in the Limousins also went to the Alfords, this time with Foxhillfarm Impecabull, again by Vantastic and out of Bankdale Alice. He was the winner of the Cornwall Calf Show earlier in the winter season.

Taking top honours in the Beef Shorthorn championship was Tracey Severn’s Highlee Gabriel. This Vulcan of Upsall son is out of the show cow Highlee Blackbrook Dipsy. This February born calf is on his first outing on his own after being shown at foot of his dam this summer.

Standing reserve was Harry Horrell’s January-born Podehole Madeline Glamour. She is out of the 2009 Highland Show champion Podehole Madeline Zeta and sired by Trojan of Craigeassie which claimed the interbreed championship at the Royal Highland Show 2011.

The Charolais classes saw the Rix family win with Wissington Impish, an April-born Gretnahouse Ferdinand son out of Seawell Arnica. This one has already stood reserve champion at the South of England Calf Show. Reserve here went to the Harrison family with Lakenheath Ivory, a home bred heifer by Lakenheath Delboy.

Topping the line in the Lincoln Reds was Julie Evans’ Springwood Sterling. This March-born calf is by Hemingby dragoon and out of Hemingby Treasure K502.

Taking the championship tickets home in the Red Poll classes was John Williams with the April-born Pinguis Duke, a Kemerton Zetalnd bull calf out of Marsh house Xandra. This one has already taken a first prize at the Shropshire Calf Show when he was just three months old. Reserve here went to the winner of the senior bull calf class, Abbey Ceasar from David Blunt. Born in September 2012, he is by Onerfawr Prince and is out of Abbey Willow.

Then in the Simmental classes it was David and Lesley Sapsed that took the championship with Heathbrow Ex Factor, an April 2013-born son of senior sock bull Dirnanean Welcome out of Darsham Real Treasure, a daughter of the successful show cow Darsham Kit Kat. This one will be featuring in the summer team for the Heathbrow herd next year.

Reserve here was Rhys Grenham with Boars Head Dare Devil, a son of Sacombe Balmoral out of a Hocknhull-bred cow.

The last of the pedigree calf shows was the South Devons in which top spot went to Paul and Pam Harrison with Brafferton Trooper 20, a January-born home bred bull calf by Lumbylaw Leo 2 and out of a previous show cow Brafferton Stella’s Betty.

13th November 2013: Nuffield presented with the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Award

Farming Scholarship providers, Nuffield, have been announced as the recipients of the 2013 Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Award.

“This is the first time this annual award, that recognises significant contribution to the UK meat industry, has been presented to an organisation rather than an individual,” comments Nuffield Chairman, Stephen Watkins. “It was a great surprise and an honour to be presented with the trophy.”

He goes on to say, “I am delighted that the work of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust has been recognised in such a unique and prestigious way.”

Mr Angus Stovold, the Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club comments that the Club has sponsored Scholars studying a wide range of meat related topics, and as a result those individuals involved have delivered tremendous value to the industry, through the study and travel opportunities provided.

“If you are lucky enough to be a Nuffield Scholar, doors throughout the world open which provide access to the world’s leaders in food and farming.”

He adds, “Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has provided over 800 people in agriculture, associated industries and the rural community the chance to travel to expand knowledge and understanding.’’

“The Scholarship programme has been unlocking individuals’ potential’ and broadening horizons for the last 60 years. These individuals have delivered benefits to our industry through knowledge transfer, inspiring commitment and development of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Recipients of the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Award can be from any part of the industry - from livestock producers through to those working within education, research, processing or retail.

Nuffield Farming Scholarships presented with the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Award. Left to right: Andrew Gilmour (The President, Royal Smithfield Club), Stephen Watkins (Chairman, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust), Mike Vacher (Director, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust), Angus Stovold (The Chairman, Royal Smithfield Club)

28th March 2013: NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES’ MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE BRITISH LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

In perfect surroundings in the heart of farming Cumbria, on Thursday 28th March 2013, HRH The Prince of Wales was presented with The Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy Award as the winner of this most prestigious livestock industry trophy.

On presenting the trophy the Club’s immediate past President, Mr John Coultrip, gave the selection committees citation highlighting His Royal Highnesses support for British livestock farmers and the British meat industry.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has always been a staunch supporter of the British livestock industry and of British farming in all sectors. During the many difficult times for the industry, HRH has delivered lasting benefit to the British sheep industry with his leadership on mutton and wool along with organic enterprise and has inspired many livestock producers through the running of his own farm at Highgrove. As Patron of many Breed Societies he has given tireless support to the improvement of the science and development of breeding, genetics and quality livestock and is recognised throughout our industry as an extraordinary ally and knowledgeable spokesman. He is without question the outstanding winner.

The Club Chairman, Mr Angus Stovold, explained that the trophy was created to celebrate the bicentenary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798.  The trophy is awarded each year to a person or organisation deemed to have made a significant contribution to the UK livestock and meat industry.  Recipients can be from any part of the industry - from livestock producers through education, research and processing to retailing, and those who have championed all sectors over many years.

As a farmer in his own right, a huge supporter of livestock farmers, someone who has been involved in research and education, and with considerable retail interests, His Royal Highness was the unanimous choice of the selection committee.

HRH The Prince of Wales receives the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy from John Coultrip (Immediate Past President of The Royal Smithfield Club)

Behind – Left to Right:  John Campbell (Past Club Chairman), Julian Hopwood (Club Chairman Elect), Rees Roberts (2011 Trophy winner) and Angus Stovold (Club Chairman)

3rd December 2012: East of England Smithfield Festival a roaring success

The second East of England Smithfield Festival held at the Peterborough Arena on 30 November and 1 December was once again a roaring success and a fitting finale to the major primestock show season.

Chief steward Charles Horrell said the event had once again proved the draw of the Royal Smithfield Club's primestock awards, with sheep and cattle heading to Peterborough from all corners of the UK.

"The second year of the partnership between the East of England Agricultural Society and the Royal Smithfield Club cemented the event as the premier winter show in the UK and the quality of the stock on show was a true tribute to commercial producers the length and breadth of the country."

Heading up the prize list in the cattle section of the event was the winner of the show's overall cattle championship, Limousin cross heifer Olympic Dream from local exhibitor Vicky Bowring, Mansfield.

This one, by Bailea Umber was shown weighing 596kg and was purchased at Ruthin in the spring when it took the championship. She was bought for £5000 and has previously been a class winner at Agri Expo in November. She was described by judge Jonathan Maycock as “a perfect animal for the small retail butcher. She has a great top and is full of flesh with that added show ring presence as well.”

Mr Maycock backed his judgement when buying Olympic Dream for £5000 in the post-show auction on the second day of the event.

The reserve overall award went to one of the season's most successful show beasts, Tecwyn Jones' heifer Black Beauty. This one stood second in her class to Olympic Dream and followed her through to take the reserve crossbred and overall heifer championships before then taking the reserve overall title.

This one has taken the supreme championship at Agri Expo and Countryside Live this year, is by Shire Apollo and was bought privately from John Smith-Jackson. She sold for £7000 to the Hyslop family, Ayrshire.

A strong line up of crossbred steers saw Jonathan Maycock tap out the Alford family’s successful Limousin steer No Likey No Lighty to take the overall crossbred steer title and then the overall steer championship.

Weighing 676kg, No Likey No Lighty was champion steer at the English Winter Fair, reserve overall at Agri Expo and Countryside Live and had a host of wins in the summer including the steer championship at the Royal Welsh Show.

Standing reserve to him for the crossbred and overall steer championship was Trevor Lyon and Family with Rob Roy, another by Bailea Umber, this one was reserve baby beef champion at Beef Expo and the Royal Welsh and also stood first in his class at the English Winter Fair this back end.

In the purebred championships it was the turn of Cumbria-based producers Keith and Mark Harryman to take the overall purebred championship with their homebred 538kg Limousin heifer Keskadale Gamel. By Sarkley Volvo, this one has already stood reserve purebred champion at the English Winter Fair this year, as well as a second at Countryside Live. Keskadale Gamel also secured the Harryman's the King's Cup for the best beast bred by the exhibitor.

And having stood second to her in the class and following behind to take reserve in the purebred championships was Michael, Melanie and Charlotte Alford’s Bishops Goldilocks, who took the reserve overall purebred title. This one, by Waindale UFO and out of Scorboro Custard, has had a successful championship run this year having won the pedigree championship at the English Winter Fair.

Winning the best opposite sex to the championship was Andrew and Becky Bishop’s purebred Limousin steer Bishops Gadolfin, weighing 644kg. He is also by Waindale UFO and is out of Stitford Daffodil.

And the Lyon family's success carried over in the Baby Beef classes too, with their homebred Limousin cross heifer taking the Continental Baby Beef championship before going on to take the top spot in the Baby Beef championship. Their winner was January 2012-born heifer Temptation. This one is by Rossignol and is out of a Thirlwall Castle heifer and was second at Stafford on her previous outing.

Reserve to her in the Continental section and then reserve overall was Donald MacPherson with his family’s Charolais cross heifer Molly Malone. This one is fresh from her reserve baby beef win at the Royal Highland Winter Fair on Wednesday and was purchased privately in August when Donald tapped her out as champion at Bonniconlon Show in Co Mayo, Ireland.

On winning form in the native baby beef classes to take the native championship was Michael Kirby with his homebred Aberdeen-Angus purebred steer Blackcroft Banarang. By Oakchurch Dictator, this one is out of a Lockerley bred cow and was native calf champion at the Cornwall Calf Show this year.

Standing reserve native calf was Arfon Jones’ Beef shorthorn cross heifer Super S. This April-born calf is out of a British Blue cross dam and is homebred.

Coming through to win the special East of England Agricultural classes on the second day of the event were Jason and Sarah Wareham with their Limousin cross heifer Jessie J which weighed 510kg. Bred by James Morrison, she was purchased from Thainestone for £1200.

Standing reserve to her was Trevor Lyon and family with their reserve overall steer champion Rob Roy. By Bailea Umber, this one was reserve baby beef champion at Beef Expo and the Royal Welsh and also stood first at Birmingham this back end.

Winning the exhibitor bred title in these classes was Richard and Judy Fountaine’s Limousin cross heifer Classy Girl.

In the National Festival Of Meat beef ribs competition the winner was a Limousin cross heifer from S J Hodges, Aylesbury. This one came from a June 2011-born heifer which weighed 416.1kg dead.

Reserve here was Ian Wildgoose, Derbyshire, with another Limousin cross heifer. This came from an April 2011-born heifer.

Sheep

Across in the sheep ring the overall championship in the sheep section went to Northamptonshire-based David and Linda Wadland with their Blue Texel cross Beltex lambs.  Making it two Smithfield championships on the bounce for the Wadlands.

Their winning pair tipped the scales at 95kg and came through from the untrimmed AOB Continental class. They are by a tup bought from Rugby market and the same sire as the Wadlands’ Smithfield championship winners last year. These sold in the traditional post-show auction for £400 to independent butchers' Yorkshire Lamb.

Reserve overall champions were a pair of purebred Beltex lambs from Brecon-based Steve and Sara Gibbons’ and are by homebred tup Llwynbrain Napoleon. This trimmed pair of ewe lambs weighed in at 85kg and later sold for £400 apiece.

Topping the sheep sale were a pair black lambs from Ivanhoe Livestock. This pair of Texel crosses out of Black Beltex dams sold at £440 to Steve and Sara Gibbons. Second best of the day were a pair of Blue Texel ewe lambs from the same vendors which sold at £420 to Paul Barwood, Norfolk.

Meanwhile lifting top honours in the native lambs was Malcolm Stewart with his pair of Suffolk cross lambs by Sandyknowe Whiteford and out of Beltex cross ewes. These weighed 87kg and stood above a pair of Southdown cross Texels from Messrs Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer. Purebred native champions were a pair of Southdowns from the same home.

And topping the line in the lamb carcass classes were Denny, Stirlingshire-based Andrew and Hilary Morton.

The Morton's winner a homebred Beltex cross lamb out of a Beltex cross dam weighed 46kg alive and killed out as a 26kg E3L carcass. The win continued a rich run of form for the Mortons after their reserve supreme live lamb championship at the Royal Highland Winter Fair earlier in the week.

Stirlingshire-based Andrew and Hilary Morton's champion lamb carcass sold at £400 to butcher Joseph Morris, Leicestershire.

Standing reserve were Andrew and Becky Bishop with their purebred Beltex carcass which graded E3H. This one weighed 34kg alive and 22kg dead.

And in the class for single lambs donated in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute the winner was a Dutch Texel sired lambs from Herefordshire producer Robin Slade.

Pedigree Calf shows

The event also hosted a number of pedigree calf shows, with exhibitors from near and far competing for top spot in seven breed classes.

Taking the Simmental championship was Jimmy McMillan at the halter of Boddington Estate’s October 2011-born Sterling Petra’s Cairo. This one is by Dovefields Gallant and out of Sterling Dolores Petra and was champion at the Central West Club Calf Show at Cirencester Market.

Reserve here was Ann and Tony Jukes who followed through from the class with the second prize heifer, Swallowhill Charity. Born October 2011, this one is by the herd’s previous herd sire Blackford Tonka and is out of Swallowhill Tallulah.

Standing top of the line in the Aberdeen-Angus classes was Shadwell Estate with their September 2011-born Shadwell Rosa Erica E052. By the senior herd sire Netherallan Peter Pershore E052, she is out of Shadwell Rosa Erica.

Reserve to her was Neil Ainsworth’s April 2012-born bull calf Billinge Magic Jake Eric M176. Again by Peter Pershore, this one is out of the herd’s former show cow Mosston Muir Jennifer Erica C060.

Meanwhile the Beef Shorthorn championship went to local exhibitors and big supporters of the event Charles, Sally and Harry Horrell. Their champion was the April 2012-born Pode Hole Gypsy Freesia which is a Chapelton Clansman daughter out of Pode Hole Snowqueen.

Reserve to her was Trevor Brown’s October 2011-born Grafton Emily, a Grafton Bombardier son out of Grafton Silver Cloud.

In the Charolais classes Messrs McMillan and McInnes’ Two Macs Grace took the top spot with their October 2011-born Mortimers Vanquish daughter out of Mortimers Evanesce.

Reserve to her was Darren Knox’s February 2012-born bull calf Drumshane Hugoboss, a Rumsden Fallout-sired calf out of Rumsden Diva.

Then in the Lincoln Red classes, top honours went to Julie Evans’ February 2012-born heifer calf Springwood Miss R62, a Hemingby Dragon daughter out of Beverley Miss L8.

Then the reserve spot went to Messrs G and J Bolton with their February 2012-born bull calf Wragby Romeo, a Walmer Kendal son out of Wragg Miss E7.

Top spot in the Red Poll calf show went to H R Arthan with Chorlton Lane Celinda Bellis, a February-born heifer by Moreton Percy and out of Chorlton Lane Yasmin. Reserve here was Pinguis Caroline 2, a November 2011-born heifer from J R Williams. She's by Kemerton Zetland and out of Pinguis Caroline 4.

And in the South Devons the winner was Langham's Kublai 2, a January-born bull calf from Vrona Farms. This one is by Mutterton Ashton Bitter and out of Brafferton Stella 35.

Standing reserve in this section was R K Rundle with his bull calf Kestle Leo, an April-born Lumbylaw Leo 2 son out of Kestle Buttercup 106.

The climax to these calf shows was the team of three competition with each breed competing for the prestigious Duke of Norfolk Trophy.

Taking the top award here were the Aberdeen-Angus team of three pedigree calves. The winning team consisted of two from Shadwell Estate, Shadwell Rosa Erica E052 and Shadwell Frances M580, both by Netherallan Peter Pershore, along with Neil Ainsworth’s bull calf Billinge Magic Jack Eric M176, again by Peter Pershore.The Simmental team of three stood reserve.

7th December 2011: Inaugural East of England Smithfield Festival a massive success

The inaugural East of England Smithfield Festival, Peterborough, the new home for the Royal Smithfield Club’s pirmestock championships saw a bumper crowd around the judging rings on both days of the Show, with visitors and stock forward from all corners of the UK.

In the cattle rings it was once again the turn of the Scottish to claim the top prize in the primestock classes, with a fairytale fourth win for Oban, Argyll-based Ewan MacPherson and sons, Donald and Ewan, when they took the supreme cattle title with their Charolais heifer, Allanfauld Fizz.

This one, bred by Archie MacGregor and son, John, at Allanfauld, Kilsyth, is by Elgin Davinci and out of Allanfauld Carolyn, an Allanfauld Vangogh daughter. Tipping the scales at 604kg, she was bought by Donald MacPherson from Caledonian Marts in April of this year for £1700 when she was reserve champion at the special sale of show potential cattle.

Born in April 2010, Fizz was bought with Smithfield in mind and was the pick of judge Tecwyn Jones for her style, correctness and evenness of flesh. “She’s the perfect show beast,” said Mr Jones. “She has the body and the correctness to match.”

Fizz, the first purebred beast to win the Smithfield championship since 1979, went on to top the show’s auction selling for £9000 to pedigree breeder Fred Murray, Wooler, Northumberland. She was also Continental purebred and overall purebred champion at the show.

Smithfield beef champion 2011, Ewan MacPherson and Sons’ Charolais heifer Allanfauld Fizz

Reserve overall purebed champion was Buck Fast, another Charolais heifer, this time from Northern Irish exhibitor, Dermot Small. She weighed 622kg and had stood second in her class to Allanfauld Fizz.

Standing reserve overall champion was the overall steer champion I’m Your Man, a Limousin cross from Michael and Melanie Alford. This one which is by Goldies Oswald and is a full brother to 2006 Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair champion The Deer Stalker. He sold at £4.35/kg to L Brown and Son, Lincoln.

The MacPherson’s enjoyed further success when winning the reserve overall steer championship with their Limousin cross Rockafella. Bred by James Alexander, Randalstown, Northern Ireland, this one was bought privately and weighed 544kg. He is by Hightown Cassius. Reserve overall heifer champion was Arfon Jones’ Limousin cross Secret Obsession, a 710kg entry.

Winning the purebred native championship in the cattle rings were George and Aileen MacFadzean, Woodhead of Mailer, Perth, with their Aberdeen-Angus steer, End of the Line, a March 2010-born 630kg entry.

Reserve purebred native champion was Superstar, a pure September 2010-born 430kg Galloway heifer from Michael and Melanie Alford, Devon.

And the MacFadzeans continued their winning ways when they won the crossbred native steer championship with their Aberdeen-Angus sired steer Ben 10, another born in March 2010 and weighing in at 608kg. Reserve to them this time was Elfed Williams with his Aberdeen-Angus cross steer Black Bill which weighed in at 648kg, having been born in May 2010.

Taking the crossbred native heifer championship was Michael Kirby, Somerset, with his Aberdeen-Angus cross heifer Miss Marmite. This April 2010-born heifer weighed 656kg.

The MacFadzeans also won the reserve native crossbred heifer championship with an Aberdeen-Angus cross heifer, Upsy Daisy. This March 2010 heifer weighed 610kg.

In the Baby Beef classes it was a win for Northumberland-based John Smith-Jackson with his Limousin cross calf Golden Eye. Sired by Shire Apollo this one has previously been reserve Baby Beef champion at Agri-Expo in October.

Reserve honours here went to Kevin Ludgate, Leighton Buzzard, with his Limousin cross heifer, Daisy. Sired by Wilodge Vantastic she was on her second outing having been calf champion at the South East Primestock Show the previous week.

Winning the Kings Cup for the best beast bred by exhibitor was Welshman Will Owen with his Charolais cross steer Dazzler which tipped the scales at 638kg. Standing reserve to this were Hugh and Lynn Dunlop, Ochiltree, Ayrshire, with their Charolais heifer Queen Bee which weighed 604kg.

And winning the prestigious Duke of Norfolk Trophy for the best team of three purebred cattle were the Limousin team. In this team were Powerhouse Frigate from Elfed Williams, Wilodge Flawless from Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts and Hightown Fantasy from Andrew Richardson and Jennifer Hyslop.

Frigate, a Soleil son bred by Colin and Wendy Philips is out of Chatsworth Bridgette and weighed in at 582kg. Homebred Wilodge Flawless is by Objat and out of Wilodge Diamante and tipped the scales at 538 and Hightown Fantasy is by Brontemoor Andover and was bred by John Smith-Jackson. She weighed 457kg and is out of Newsham Nina.

Limousin sired cattle then took a one-two in the East of England Agricultural Society Classes for exhibitors which had shown at both the East of England Show in June and the East of England Smithfield Festival. Leading this line up was Cher, a 596kg Limousin cross heifer from Trevor and Jonathan Lyon, while reserve was Ali Kat from Mike and Jean Dickens, Milton Keynes.

Winning the Beef Ribs competition at the Festival was Robert Needham with a rib from a Lincoln Red heifer. This beast, a March 2010 born entry weighed 317.1kg deadweight. Reserve here was Michael Read with a rib from a 375.3kg British Blue sired heifer carcass.

Taking the overall live sheep championship were David and Linda Wadland, Daventry, with their 98kg pair of Blue Texel cross Texel lambs. These had earlier been named Continental champions by judge John Hall, Carlisle. In reserve Mr Hall chose a pair of Dutch Texel lambs by Luggsmill Dylan from Andrew and Becky Bishop, Gloucestershire. This pair clinched the Continental purebred championship too.

Smithfield sheep champions 2011, David and Linda Wadland’s Blue Texel cross lambs

These tipped the scales at 87kg and pipped the native champions, a 101kg pair of purebred Southdowns from Messrs Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer to the reserve spot. This duo also took the Sir Richard Cooper Memorial Trophy for the best pair of purebred native lambs.

Reserve native sired lambs were a pair of Suffolk cross Beltex lambs from Malcolm Stewart, Brotherstone, Melrose. These are by a homebred high index sire from his Sandyknowe flock.

And Suffolks enjoyed continued success when Merrick and Julie Pinny, Northamptonshire, took the event’s carcass championship with a Suffolk cross Beltex carcass which graded E2. Reserve to this was a Dutch Texel from Robin Slade, Herefordshire, which graded E3L.

7th November 2011: Leading Welsh farmer awarded Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy

This year’s winner of the prestigious Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of his tremendous lifelong service to the red meat industry both in Wales and across the UK, is farmer and agricultural statesman Rees Roberts OBE.

Mr Roberts , who farms at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, Oswestry Powys, was presented with his award at a lunch at the Butcher’s Hall, London, by the president of the Royal Smithfield Club John Coultrip.

Presenting the award Mr Coultrip highlighted Mr Roberts’ unstinting work within the red meat industry, including most recently having been the founding chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales), a position he held from HCC’s inception in 2003 until his retirement from the post last autumn.

Prior to that he had been Meat and Livestock Commission Commissioner for Wales and Chair of the Welsh Committee.

Additionally, Mr Roberts has been Chair of the Welsh Sheep Strategy, a member of the Welsh Assembly Food and Drink Advisory Group, a member of Welsh Assembly/WDA Agri Food Partnership Advisory Committee and chairman of Welsh Beef and Lamb Promotions.

He has also been voted Food Personality of the Year by Food and Industry Magazine and received a Farmers Union of Wales award for service to Welsh Agriculture.

Mr Coultrip said there was no doubting the exceptional service Mr Roberts had given to the Welsh farming industry and specifically the red meat sector. “He has been an ambassador for his country and its produce and his CV is proof positive of his commitment to farming and livestock production.

“It gives me great pleasure to award the Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy to such a worthy winner. Mr Roberts’ involvement in the Welsh red meat sector has been unstinting and to the benefit of all.”

In nominating Mr Roberts Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chief executive Dai Walters said Mr Roberts was a highly respected and enthusiastic man who was dedicated to everything he undertook. “There is no doubt in my mind that without the leadership and determination of Rees Roberts Welsh Beef and Welsh Lamb would not have achieved the coveted EU PGI status.”

Mr Roberts is aged 59 and was awarded the OBE in 2002 for services to agriculture.  Married to Sally, the couple have two daughters - Bethan and Ceri.

The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Byford, DBE (immediate past President), with J. Rees Roberts (2011 award winner) receiving trophy from John Coultrip (President) with Angus Stovold (Chairman)

1st March 2011: East of England Agricultural Society and Royal Smithfield Club announce new primestock event partnership

The East of England Agricultural Society and the Royal Smithfield Club have today announced their intention to create a new winter primestock show as a joint venture for 2011 and future years.

This new event, to be held at Peterborough Showground on 2 and 3 December 2011, will build on the successful East of England Winter Stock Festival, which has grown rapidly in three years to be recognised as one of the premier primestock shows in the UK, explained East of England Agricultural Society chief executive Paul Wallwork.

“The growth of our Winter Stock Festival has been phenomenal and our hosting of last year’s Royal Smithfield Primestock championships, following the cancellation of AgriLIVE Smithfield, underlined it’s recognition as one of the leading winter events.

“This new agreement, which will see the show housed in the showground’s purpose built Exec exhibition centre, will allow the event to move forward significantly and secures the future of the Royal Smithfield Club’s championships too.”

Primestock classes at the event will include classes for prime cattle and sheep, with the traditional auction sale of exhibits to round the event off, with the event being managed by East of England Agricultural Society agricultural manager Kerry Buttriss.

Speaking on behalf of the Royal Smithfield Club, the Club’s secretary Geoff Burgess said the new event would build on the successful relationship between the two organisations which existed as a result of last year’s successful show.

“We are looking forward to working with the East of England Agricultural Society to create a new showpiece event in the winter primestock calendar. This new prestigious event should attract entries from across the UK and provide a much needed end of season spectacle for the winter primestock circuit,” he added.

1st January 2011: Leading farmers take the helm at Royal Smithfield Club

A brace of leading farmers from the south east of England have taken up the leading roles of the Royal Smithfield Club, with Faversham, Kent-based John Coultrip honoured as the Club’s president and Surrey farmer Angus Stovold elected the Club’s chairman.

Mr Coultrip, a past chairman of the Club and regular sheep exhibitor in the Club’s primestock competitions, runs a mixed sheep, beef and arable farm at Eastling, Faversham, and is a past president of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.

His farm carries a 50-cow pedigree Aberdeen-Angus herd and a 400-ewe Romney and crossbred sheep flock.

Mr Stovold, meanwhile, manages his family’s mixed farming unit at Shackleford, Guildford, where enterprises include a 200-cow Aberdeen-Angus herd along with a small herd of Saddleback pigs and an integrated arable enterprise.

A current council member of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Mr Stovold is the Society’s current senior vice president and is also an active member of the NFU.

2010 Smithfield championships prove their pulling power

The Royal Smithfield Club’s primestock championships proved they still had strong pulling power last autumn when they were hosted by the East of England Winter Stock Festival following the forced cancellation of AgriLIVE Smithfield.

In the supreme cattle championship it was a fairy tale win for newcomers to Peterborough, but long-term Smithfield supporters and no strangers to polishing the Smithfield silverware, Hugh and Lynn Dunlop, Ochiltree, Ayrshire.

Winning their debut East of England title and fourth overall Smithfield title, the couple led the field with a homebred heifer, Tinkler Maidgie, a 616kg Limousin cross by the farm’s stock bull Silex. This one was a first prize winner in the Baby Beef section of last year’s Smithfield event.

Cattle judge Liz Vance, herself a former Smithfield winner told the ringside crowd she had spotted the heifer the moment she walked into the ring. “As soon as I saw her I knew there was a strong chance she’d be in among the champions at the end of the day. She was exactly the type of beast I was looking for.”

Tinkler Maidgie is out of a Limousin cross cow and also won a red ticket at this year’s Ayr Show and the Royal Highland Show and earned the couple the King’s Cup for the best homebred beast too. In the event’s auction sale Mrs Vance backed her judgement, paying £10,000 (£16.23) for her champion, having fought off stiff competition from a number of other eager bidders.

Reserve overall champion was the reserve heifer champion, 618kg Lady Big Bucks from Derbyshire-based Phil and Sharon Sellers. This one was a British Blue cross bred by the Richardson family at Ghyll House, Cumbria, and was supreme champion at Countryside Live, Harrogate. She is by Auchenlay Vagabond and cost some £8000 in the spring of this year when bought at Penrith.

Steer championship honours went to last year’s Smithfield winners, Mike and Melanie Alford, Devon, with their 612kg Limousin cross Tyson. This one was bred by the Whiteford family at Brampton, Cumbria, and is by Haltcliffe Talent and weighed in at 612kg. Reserve overall steer was Magic Man, a 620kg British Blue cross steer from Elfed Williams, Sennybridge.

Native crossbred honours were claimed by Perth-based George and Aileen MacFeadzean, with the couple picking up both the native sired crossbred championships for steers and heifers. Winning the native cross steers for them was Monty, a 548kg Aberdeen-Angus cross which later sold for 230p/kg (£1260.40). Their native sired heifer leader was Brazillian, a 562kg beast of the same breed.

Taking the Continental purebred championship were Richard and Judy Fountaine with Cothi Eyecatcher, a Limousin steer which tipped the scales at 592kg and also took the pedigree steer championship. Reserve to it was Dulands Ebony, a Limousin heifer from Andrew Dickinson which weighed 694kg, she was also pedigree heifer champion ahead of Witherdale Empress from David Wharton.

In the Native purebred championship the winner was Galloway steer Super Mario. This one from the Alfords weighed 550kg and claimed the reserve pedigree steer title too. Reserve was Michael Read with Lincoln Red heifer Hemingby Bridget which weighed 499kg.

Championship honours in the Baby Beef classes for cattle born in 2010 also headed to Scotland, with Ayrshire-based James Nisbet taking the trophy.

Mr Nisbet’s winner was a calf bred at Alford, Aberdeenshire, by Alistair Smart. The Limousin cross calf, Dance with Me, was sired by Emslies Caledonian and out of a Limousin cross British Blue dam.

March-born Dance With Me weighed 377kg on show day having been bought from the Thainstone Spectacular in September for £2200. She had been unhaltered cattle champion at that event which Mr Nisbet judged and now heads for the Royal Highland Winter Fair.

Reserve champion was Neil Slack, Penrith, with his Limousin cross steer Alfie. This is by Fieldson Alfie and had previously been champion at two events, Countryside Live and Agri-Expo. This one is homebred out of a Limousin cross dam and weighed 360kg on the day.

In the event’s sheep classes the top honours went to prolific winners the Hall family, Carlisle. But in a change of form it was a pair of Rouge cross lambs from their Inglewood Edge-based flock which took the top award, rather than the Beltex they usually lead championships with.

This 92kg pair were by a tup bred by John Watkins and out of Beltex sired ewes from the commercial flock John Hall and daughter Joanne Skelton run at home. This was the first time the Halls have ventured to the East of England Winter Stock Festival, but the second time they've taken the Smithfield title. They were adding to their Countryside Live and Agri-Expo titles of earlier in the season with the lambs once again prepared for the event by Johnny Aiken. These sold for £280/head (£6.08/kg).

Reserve overall was a 104kg pair of Texels from Michael Owens, Pontsian, Llandysul. These purebred Dutch Texel lambs are from the Owens family's 1000 ewe flock run at home at Glantre, which is run alongside a 120-cow suckler herd. This is the first time Mr Owens has been to Peterborough or Smithfield, but he has winning form, having taken the Royal Welsh Winter Fair title two years ago

Mr Owens’ pair then won the purebred Continental championship, with a 104kg Beltex pair from the Halls in reserve.

In the native crossbred championship it was a one-two for Melrose, Scotland-based Malcolm Stewart, with Suffolk cross lambs from his flock. These are by homebred tup Sandyknowe Whiteford, with the championship winning pair tipping the scales at a combined weight of 91kg and his reserves weighing 93kg.

The purebred native championship went to Messrs Gibbons with an 86gk pair of pure Suffolks, while reserve was John Taylor with a 96kg brace of North Country Cheviots.

12th November 2010 - Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy awarded to leading genetic researcher

The 2010 winner of the Royal Smithfield Club’s Bicentenary Trophy is Geoff Simm, academic director and vice principal (research) at the Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh.

Prof Simm is without doubt one of the outstanding applied animal researchers of his generation.  His work on developing genetic selection indices for sheep and beef cattle has been widely taken up in the industry with direct and cumulative effects on improved carcass characteristics compatible with the interests of both consumers and producers.

Despite having an international academic reputation in animal breeding, Prof Simm has always kept knowledge transfer to the livestock industry at the top of his agenda, to the benefit of all livestock breeders in the UK.  The establishment of EGENES, the main genetic evaluation database for farm animal species in the UK, has been a particular success.

By working very closely with breed societies and commercial producers the results of Prof Simm’s work in developing economic selection indices have had, and will continue to have, a growing economic benefit for the meat industry.  

Prof Simm is a past recipient of the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize, the RASE Medal for Research Achievement and the George Hedley Memorial Award.   He was recently President of the British Society for Animal Science, is Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources, and is a past member of DEFRA's Science Advisory Group.