Taking Stock

Great Yorkshire Show pictures now online

2008-07-08T18:47:41Z

Its the end of a long day here at the Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, but the weather has been kind to us, so we have to be grateful for that.

We've enjoyed the day and the trusty Taking Stock photographer has been hard at work snapping the champions which are now available to see in the gallery, enjoy......

The bar is calling, so its pints all round tonight!

Kevin Ludgate on winning form again

2008-07-08T17:10:52Z

After a lengthy five and a half hours judging and fresh from his championship win at the Royal Show Kevin Ludgate and his commercial show team were back in action at the Great Yorkshire Show to take the overall ticket.

Having shone through the female championship Wilemina, his British Blue cross heifer with helper Ben Maskell at the lead took the championship under butcher and judge Stuarty Clatworthy.

Mr Clatworthy described his champion as being a heifer bang on 12 o'clock. She had everything he wanted in a butchers animal and would proudly hang her in his shop. "You could just keep cutting and cutting meat off this heifer - she's fantastic," he told a massive crowd round the ring side.

Having stood reserve female champion, Neil Slack's Limousin cross hiefer Rhianna followed through to take the overall reserve spot with Ben Richardson at the lead, while Neil was in charge of his champion male steer Fernando.

Rhianna is no stranger to the show ring, having taken the reserve champion ticket as a calf at last year's Agri-Expo at Carlsile. She now heads for show retirement as Neil is currently in a clean bluetongue zone.

Kevin Ludgate was also on hand to take the overall male championship with his homebred 12 month old Limousin cross steer James.

Beef Shorthorn takes Yorkshire interbreed

2008-07-08T17:06:13Z

Mark Holmes' Beef Shorthorn bull Cairnsmore Thrasher has taken the interbreed award this afternoon at the Great Yorkshire Show, after standing reserve at last week's Royal Show.

Led out by Carol and Richard Rettie, Thrasher looked an easy champion from the moment he stepped into the interbreed ring and found favour with the panel of breed judges which awarded him the best points score of the champions present.

Standing reserve to him was the Limousin champion Millington Tangerine from John Weatherill's Millington herd. By Woodhouse Prince, Tangerine was shown by Mark Philips and Helen Burton, with her calf at foot.

More Great Yorkshire Show sheep results

2008-07-08T16:57:27Z

As always judging has continued apace this afternoon in the sheep rings at the Great Yorkshire Show and I've been contently watching plenty of the action wondering if its a sensible idea to head back next year with some sheep in tow.

First to conclude this afternoon were the Beltex, where the champion was R G Findlay's aged ewe.

Next out of the blocks were the Bluefaced Leicesters where A J Fisher took the overall award with his shearling ewe.

Meanwhile, among the Hampshire Downs, it was the fleshy shearling ewe from L M Chasney which took the top spot ahead of the ram lamb from the same exhibitor.

Dairy Shorthorn and Holstein results from Great Yorkshire Show

2008-07-08T13:23:59Z

Today has seen breed judging in the dairy classes, with the Holsteins and Dairy Shorthorns completed so far.

Heading up the Holstein line-up was Messrs Baty and Williamson's senior cow Goostrey Coll 225, an Ex93 rated, 2000-born cow by Kemview Vanetas Vision.

Standing champion in the Dairy Shorthorn lines was I R G Collins and Partner's cow Churchroyd Heather 24. This 2002-born cow is by Jerome and out of Churchyard Heather 11.

Initial Great Yorkshire Show beef cattle results

2008-07-08T13:15:19Z

It's been busy in the beef rings too, with a number of breeds completing breed judging ahead of this afternoon's interbreed competition.

Leading the way were the Beef Shorthorn breeders whose champion came in the shape of Mark Holmes senior bull Cairnsmore Thrasher which stood reserve interbreed at the Royal Show last week.

Simmental champion, meanwhile, was T Hill's bull Jaegergard Uniq, a March 2003-born senior bull.

In the Limousins it was Millington Tangerine, from Millington Estates which stood top, with S and G A Potter's heifer Westside Alanis reserve.

Photographs and more results will follow as the happen.......

First Great Yorkshire sheep results decided

2008-07-08T12:53:06Z

It's been a hectic first morning in the sheep rings here at the Great Yorkshire show, Harrogate, with judges working through a number of breeds in good time.

Despite some breeders being unable to attend due to bluetongue there is still a good show of sheep in the sheds, so well done to all concerned for getting them here.

So, here goes for the results so far;

In the Any Other Native section judged by John Thorley the champion ticket went to J E Pocock's Poll Dorset ram lamb with reserve taken by the female champion, E P R Lambert's Hill Radnor ewe.

The Any Other Continental section, also judged by Mr Thorley, went to the Vendeen ram of G P Pannett, with the Rouge shearling ewe from J F Redfern standing reserve.

Among the Charollais it was the senior tup from T S Hunter which caught judge David Roberts' eye, with Carol Grain and Geoff Watson's stylish shearling ewe in second spot.

Noted Yorkshire butcher Brian Glaves had success in the Leicester Longwool classes, taking the overall ticket with his shearling ram ahead of Mrs Goodman's shearling ewe.

In the Mashams it was C Douthwaite's pen of two shearling ewes which took champion spot, with A J Fisher's single shearling ewe following up in reserve.

Across in the Suffolks Chris Holmes, Worcester, found his top sheep in the form of G L Rigby's shearling ram and reserve here went to I D Briggs' shearling ewe.

Nicola Bell, daughter of Kirkby Stephen auctioneer Stuart, took the championship in the Swaledales with a ewe, while J H and J Ryder and Sons' ram stood reserve.

Texel champion was S and S Richardson's ewe lamb, with reserve here going to P C Longdin's ewe.

More results from this afternoon's judging will follow later, as will a selection of pictures of the champions.........

First day of Great Yorkshire dawns bright and clear

2008-07-08T08:03:40Z

Well here we are in Harrogate for the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show and so far so good on the weather front. Its clear, bright and dry depsite the previously pessimistic forecasts of torrential downpours.

Judging is yet to get uinderway, but it soon will and all credit must go to GYS for their organisation. With many entries unable to attend due to bluetongue the show organisers have kindly listed details in the back of the catalogues of those exhibitors unable to attend - a small but well executed show of solidarity.

So, with judging soon to be underway we're heading out to the rings, we'll bring you results and photographs from all sections throughout the day.......

Full report from Welshpool Charollais sale

2008-07-08T07:59:50Z

Bidding for Charollais ram lambs scaled new heights to reach a record price of 10,5000gns at the breed society's sale at Welshpool on Monday for a lamb bred in a flock of just six ewes that was only in its third season of selling.

But Arwel and Amanda Owen, who scooped the jackpot with the ram lamb Banwy Immense, are no newcomers to the livestock scene. Although they only recently established their Charollais flock, Arwel has also been well known for his wins with Charolais cattle produced from the family's farm near Welshpool.

Immense is by the good producer Foulrice Eurostar - who progeny were among the most sought after - and out of a ewe by Southam-A-One. He stood champion under judge John Geldard who mounted a determined spate of bidding, partnered by eldest son Richard, to secure the ram for the family's Wraycastle flock of 130 ewes at Levens, Cumbria.

]]> Collecting the reserve championship and making 4000gns was Co Down breeder David Mawhinney's Rockvilla Inspiration who won his class at this year's Balmoral Show and is by last year's Royal Show champion Rockvilla Golden Promise. Buyer was Ed Bulman, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Another Foulrice Eurostar son was in the money when Caersws, Powys breeder Bryan Evans drew 3500gns for a ram lamb from his Penrhos flock. Buyer was Tim Prichard for his Castellau flock at Llantrisant, Glamorgan.

Leading call for shearlings was 3000gns to secure Willie and Carole Ingram's Logie Durno Hercules. By the 5600gns Foulrice Gladiator and with a breed index of 306, he is out of a Rutland Ensign sired ewe and was shared by south Wales flock owners Adrian Davies and David Curran.

Another good lamb from the Penrhos pen- also by Eurostar - made 2500gns to Stuart Johnson and Mary Madders for their flock in Staffordshire.

There were two deals at 2000gns. The first call came from F Perry, Carmarthen to take Glyn Coch Igniter from Adrian Mansel Davies, Llandeilo. This ET-bred lamb is by the successful sire Galtres Dominator. Flock mate Glyn Coch Idol, by Foulrice Eurostar, also realised 2000gns to Herbie Kennedy, Dumfries.

Averages: seven shearlings £1204 and 54 ram lambs £1092. (Welshpool Livestock Sales).

Taking Stock arrive in Yorkshire

2008-07-07T16:01:43Z

Well Taking stock arrived in a very wet Yorkshire, for this year's Great Yorkshire Show. I'd like to say fresh from the Royal Show, but having stayed 5 nights in a caravan we're not feeling very fresh.

As predicted the weather isn't on our side and it's about to get worse according to the forecast.

Neither Jonathan or I have covered Yorkshire before so we're looking forward to what the next two days will bring. The gallery is up and ready and of course we'll be keeping you up to date on here with the show winners. I just hope livestock entries aren't as badly affected due to bluetongue zoning as they were at the Royal - surely not!!!

Charollais hit 10,500gns at Welshpool

2008-07-07T15:57:26Z

Just had the trusty Taking Stock photographer on the phone to tell me trade has gone through the roof at the Charollais sheep sale in Welshpool as the champion has just sold for 10,500gns.

Having selected it as his champion, John Geldard later backed his judgement and dug deep to secure the ram.

More on this sale to follow along with pictures.....

New chairman for Charolais society

2008-07-07T11:10:04Z

One of Scotland's leading stockmen, Iain Millar, of Port of Menteith, Stirling has been elected chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society's council of management. He succeeds Steven Nesbitt, of Winston, Darlington who is stepping down after completing his term of office.

Iain Millar has had an involvement breeding pedigree Charolais cattle for more than 15 years establishing the Lochend pedigree Charolais herd which he manages with his wife, Rhona and family, John and Katreen.

Since then, the herd has grown to 20 cows, it is a member of the Hi Health Scheme accredited for BVD and Johne's, and it has bred scores of bulls for commercial suckler producers throughout the UK. Apart from collecting countless tickets in the show ring, Iain also knows what it takes to breed the Perth champion. A Brigadoon Ulsterman son stood in pole place in 2002, while the previous year his full brother secured the junior championship and made 11,000gns, Lochend's highest ever price.

Martin Donaghy, Dungannon is the society's newly elected vice chairman, the latest member elected to BCCS Council is Mike Atkinson, Kirkby Malzeard, North Yorkshire and Peter Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle is the new president.

Limousins do the trebble at the Royal

2008-07-06T14:54:04Z

Following the pattern of yesterday's Burke pair outcome, the Limousins have taken the interbreed team of five award this afternoon at the Royal Show, followed by the Hereford team, judged by Norman Smith.

So that's it for this year's Royal Show. Fortuantely the rain has managed to stay away for most of the afternoon, so I'm off for a little retail therapy before we hit the road for the Yorkshire Show.

There will be more pictures uploaded in the morning to finish off and of course we shall bring you all the news from next week. I just hope these wagons get loaded in time to be at Yorkshire for midnight tonight!

Full Royal Show sheep and pig results

2008-07-06T14:33:31Z

Here at the end of a long and weary Royal Show are the full sheep and pig results, we wait with interest to see what if anything happens to reinvigorate the event before next year.

One thing is for sure there are a lot of livestock exhibitors who will need convincing its worth their while heading back to Stoneleigh next year.

SHEEP

Interbreed D Roberts Charollais ewe; res, R Powell's Kerry Hill shearling ram.

Interbreed Pairs Charollais; res, Kerry Hill.

Interbreed Group of Three P Tait's Rouge; res, D Dishop's Beltex.

]]> Beltex D Bishop's shearling ewe; res, J McAree's ram.

Black Welsh Mountain J D Goode's shearling ewes; res, E O Williams' ram.

Bleu du Maine E J Goldie's ewe; res, E J Goldie's ram.

Bluefaced Leicester R S and J T Shaw's ewe; res, R S and J T Shaw's ewe lamb.

Rouge D R Jane's ewe; res, P Tait's ewe lamb.

Charollais D Roberts' ewe; res, D Roberts' shearling ewe.

Cotswold S Palmer; res, D Stanhope's shearling ram.

Dorset Down B Lugsden's ram lamb; res, B Lugsden's ewe lamb.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset N A Jesse's shearling ewe; res, N A Jesse's ram.

Hampshire Down C A Horrell's shearling ewe; res, C A Horrell's ram lamb.

Jacob J Strong's ram; res, V Fairley's ram.

Kerry Hill R Powell's shearling ram; res, R Powell's ram.

Leicester Longwool D Stanhope's shearling ram; D Stanhope's shearling ram.

Lleyn R and J Gunn's ram; res, R and J Gunn's shearling ewe.

Oxford Down G C Watson and C Grain's ram lamb; res, H Middleditch's ewe lamb.

Ryeland S J Kendrick's ram; res, R Morgan's ewe lamb.

Shetland C Ringrose's ewe lamb; res, C Ringrose's ram.

Suffolk T Cox's ram lamb; res, T Cox's ewe lamb.

Texel D Corfield's ram; res, D F Chave's ram.

Wensleydale S Holditch's shearling ewe; res, G J Stevenson and L Clouder's ram.

Wilstshire Horn I Owen's ram; res, J Bradley and P Middleton's shearling ewe.

Zwartbles Clay Farm Partnership's shearling ewe; res, Clay Farm Partnership's ram lamb.

AOB MV Accredited S E Farquar's Shropshire ewe; res, A D Bishop's Blue Texel shearling ram.

AOB Non-MV Accredited J F C Taylor's Southdown shearling ewe; res, D Stanhope's shearling ram.

Prime lamb competition A D Bishop's Beltex x Texel cross; res, D S and L E Wadland's Beltex.

PIGS

Interbreed P Fowlie's Welsh Sow Braemor Nina 4; res, T Bretherton's Middle White boar Gracebank Rajah.

Interbreed Pairs Duroc; res, Large White.

Berkshire S Fildes' sow Dittisham Lady 5; res, T Bretherton's boar Gracebank Orlando.

British Lop M V Hicks' sow Windmill Excelsa 23; res, M V Hicks' boar Windmill Charles 5.

British Saddleback J E Sage's boar Blewett Prefect 86; res, S Samuel's sow Shenlow Shamrock 24.

Duroc S J S Loveless' sow Portbredy Torntoft; res, A P Rose's boar Maddaford Rossz 9.

Gloucestershire Old Spot M V Hicks' sow Windmill Princess Mary 24; res, M V Hicks' boar Windmill Sambo 11.

Landrace D Hobbs' sow Bickham Asa 7; res, D Hobbs' sow Sunrise Asa 1397.

Large Black Marquess of Salisbury's sow Crane Nocturne 56; res, P G Snell's sow Sock Doreen 168.

Large White G N S Kiddy's boar Witherfield Alpine 15; res, G N S Kiddy's sow Withersfield Blackberry 155.

Middle White T Bretherton's boar Gracebank Rajah; res, B Merry's sow Pinehurst Fairlady 7.

Tamworth T H Wheatley-Hubbard's sow Berkswell Melody 34; res, T H Wheatley-Hubbard's boar Berkswell Jasper 3.

Welsh P M Fowlie's sow Braemor Nina 4; res, C D Vaughan's boar Vinery Ivor 4361.

Full Royal Show dairy results

2008-07-06T12:35:29Z

Dairy results

Burke pairs Jerseys; res, Holsteins.

Interbreed heifer G A Madely's Shorthorn Rodway Samantha 9; res, A Whittaker's Holstein Knowlesmere Gibson Starlight.

Team of Five Jerseys; res, Dairy shorthorns.

Interbreed S Murray's Jersey cow Whiteoaks Julian Flower; res, A Whittaker's cow Knowlesmere Leduc Papoose.

Dairy Shorthorn G A Madely's cow Rodway Marie 62; res, N Madely's cow Nejay Princess.

Dexter S Hunt's cow Seamer Supreme Aailyah; res, S Hunt's cow Northbrook Clarissa.

Guernsey R J Cole's cow Summerhill Dancer 17; res, not awarded.

Holstein A Whittaker's cow Knowlesmere Leduc Papoose; res, A Whittaker's heifer Knowlesmere Gibson Starlight.

Jersey S Murray's cow Whiteoaks Julian Flower; res, S Murray's cow Fourcrosses Centurion Pine.