Females rule at East of England
Females dominated proceedings at last weekend’s East of England Show, clinching the overall interbreed beef title, the commercial beef championship, the interbreed sheep championship and the interbreed pig silverware.
Leading the way was Doug Mash’s French bred Limousin cow Segala from his family’s Brockhurst herd. Imported just over a year a go and shown with her November 2006-born calf at foot, Segala now heads to the Royal and Royal Welsh.
Standing reserve here was the Aberdeen Angus champion, Briston Echo, from Duncan Jeary’s 60-cow herd. By Tegnose Pensboy and out of Briston Briarthorn, Echo was also shown with her March-born calf at foot.
Heading up the commercial classes was the Limousin cross heifer Miss Moneypenny from Sennybridge-based Elfed Williams. Brought out by Neil and Sally Lloyd of Black and Blue Show Team, Miss Moneypenny was bred by Andrew Davies and cost Mr Williams £7100.
Among the juniors it was the turn of another Limousin, Ironstone Brandy, from Smtihs of Bloxham’s Ironstone herd which led the way. By Unesco, Brandy is out of record price Limousin female Bailea Umandy.
Narrowly pipped into reserve spot was Mike and Jean Dickens’ Limousin cross heifer Splash, this one was bred by the Skidmore family.Following the form of recent shows, top spot in the sheep line up again was the Charollais champion. This time it was the turn of Henry Ashley to take the silverwarwe with his shearling ewe by a Logie tup and out of a homebred ewe. This shearling now heads to Lincolnshire show this week before going home to breed.
Second spot was taken by the Suffolk champion, a homebred shearling ewe from Merrick and Julie Pinny’s Alloaks flock. This one is by a Muiresk tup which was bought as a lamb from Kelso in 1999.
The Charollais team also clinched the interbreed group of four award.
Among the pigs it was first time exhibitor Kevin Matthews who took top honours with his Saddleback gilt Lowpark Grand Duchess 240. By Lowpark Golden Arrow and out of Lowpark Grand Duchess 230, Grand Duchess 240 is also set to go to the Great Yorkshire and Westmoreland shows this summer.
