Smithfield Festival: Baby beef championship

The continentals reigned supreme in the overall baby beef championship with the continental champion taking the top spot. This one was Limousin x steer, Golden Eye.

May-2011 born Golden Eye weighed in at 314kg and was homebred by exhibitor John Smith- Jackson, High Town Farm, Holtwhistle, Northumberland.

In reserve was the continental reserve, homebred Limousin x heifer Daisy from Kevin W Ludgate, 84 Wingfield Road, Tebworth, Leighton Buzzard. Weighing 417kg, this one if out of Limousin x British Blue cow, Uptown Girl and by Wilodge Vantastic. She’s one of 50 cattle kept by Mr Ludgate and will be kept and shown next year.

Judge Tecwyn Jones said his champions were the two animals he would like to take home. “Both are stylish – the champion is good on top, beautiful in the head with good legs and very good presentation.” In fact Mr Jones was disappointed to hear his number one beast would not be sold at the Festival.

John Smith- Jackson said the steer would be kept until the Spring when he may be sold in the March calf sales. This one is by Limousin, Shire Apollo and is one of 100 cows kept by Mr Smith Jackson. Golden Eye was placed reserve baby beef at October’s AgriExpo to Pokermon from the Alford which was placed first in his category (331-400kg steer) at Smithfield.