I've been fortunate to have one or two cattle judging jobs fall my way this year and this weekend was the last of them. I had the lovely task of judging the commercial beef classes at the Border Union Show in Kelso along with the beef interbreed class later on in the day.
The commercials were strong although a little light on numbers. It was nice to have cow and calf classes to sort out as well and I ended up settling on a Limousin x Blue cow with a cracking Angus calf at foot - that will certainly be a native fatstocker to keep an eye on!
In the interbreed championship things are done a little differently than some shows, as I was asked to judge a pair, rather than an individual champion. I had six pairs in front of me - Blondes, Herefords, Angus, Shorthorns, Limousins and Galloways.
And it was the Galloways that did it for me on the day (although those that know me won't be suprised as I have a soft spot for the breed anyway) - it was a cracking pair of working females with good calves at foot from the Drysdale family. Coming in reserve were the Limousin pair, made up by a bull from Robert Neill and a very stylish heifer from Stuart Renton.
I had a cracking time - the weather was incredibly hot - too hot really and my stewards looked after me very well indeed. It was the first time I'd been to the show and although it's a fair treck from Kent, I'm sure I'll be back.
But the highlight of the show was seeing a very proud eight year old Andrew Neill from Upper Nisbet lead his dad's Robert's Limousin bull Basil round the ring in the young handlers competition. Andrew did very well indeed seeing as it was his first time in competition and took home a second prize rosette for his efforts. He'll be one to keep an eye on in the future - you mark my words!!!! - well done Andrew!
Sounds like you had a good time Chrissie, did you have chance to note the exhibitors name of your champion cow and calf? In between your much needed 'refreshments' of course!!!
Much needed refreshments - that might have something to do with my stewards, particularly Will!!!
I think flemming? It was the young lad that was in control - i was very impressed with him, he certainly worked hard for it!
good to hear you were well looked after.
Thats enough info for me - thanks. I'll send out my moles and see what's doing......also glad to hear the next generation are so keen as they all seem to be across the country right now.
Do you have any idea who was the limousin champion at Border Union? I have heard she was a great heifer but cannot find anything about her.
Limousin breeder... think heifer was Lodge Blush from Stuart Renton. She was fisrt at the highland this year, sired by Lodge's bull Ronick Urinocco.