ROYAL ULSTER BEEF & LAMB CHAMPIONSHIPS

ROYAL ULSTER BEEF & LAMB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Champion Calf at the 7th Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships held in Belfast on Tuesday 26th November 2024 was a Limousin heifer from Sam Matchett.

 RUAS President, John Henning OBE, proudly presented Sam with the prestigious Duke of Bedford Perpetual Cup awarded by the Royal Smithfield Club. Also pictured are Jack O’Brien & Jordan Toye from sponsor AI Services Northern Ireland Ltd Embryo Transfer Team.



GREAT RIBS & SADDLES DISPLAY AT LIVESCOT

GREAT RIBS & SADDLES DISPLAY AT LIVESCOT

Thanks are extended to Gordon Newlands of QMS, Louise Forsyth of Forsyths of Peebles and John Scott Meat for supporting the Club's Beef Ribs and Saddles of Lamb competitions at LiveScot held at Lanark 22-23 November. Judge was Tom Courts of Tom Courts Butchers.

  • Champion Beef Rib: G Patterson (Continental)

  • Reserve Champion Beef Rib: M & HD Currie (Native)

  • Champion Saddle of Lamb: G Whyte (heavy)

  • Reserve Champion Saddle of Lamb: R & M Struthers (heavy)

 LIVESCOT RESULTS

Class 101 – Continental Rib

1st G Patterson

2nd B & R Capper

3rd A Purdon & Partners 

Class 102 – Native Rib

1st M & HD Currie

2nd M & HD Currie

3rd T King

Class 103 – Saddle (light)

1st G Whyte

2nd A Dunlop

3rd JJ Frame

 

Class 104 – Saddle (heavy)

1st G Whyte

2nd R & M Struthers

3rd R & B Dickie

STARS OF THE FUTURE HAILED GREAT SUCCESS

  • Jim Goldie Jnr wins Young Handlers Competition

  • British Blues win inaugural Pedigree Team of Three

Stars of the Future continues to go from strength to strength and the 14th edition held at United Auctions, Stirling, on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November 2024 was no exception. The Royal Smithfield Club again awarded a trophy to the Champion Young Handler, and also put forward a ‘new’ trophy for the inaugural Pedigree Team of Three Competition.

Champion Young Handler Jim Goldie pictured with Jason Wareham and Rachael Wyllie

The two-day extravaganza kicked off with the young handler’s competition on Friday, judged by Jason Wareham, High Weald, Sussex. A constellation of over thirty young stock men and women, aged 11 to 21 years old, competed for the coveted Royal Smithfield Club trophy presented by Rachael Wyllie, Vice President of the Royal Smithfield Club.

Jason awarded the overall championship title to Jim Goldie aged 13 years old from Newbiemains, Dumfries who was leading his August-2023 born, Simmental bull, Newbiemains Priceless. Jim earlier in the evening, won the junior section aged 11 to 14 years old, before going head-to-head against the intermediate section (15 – 17 years old) champion, Amy Vance, Bridgehouse Farms, Whithorn, with Shaboozey, a Limousin cross heifer, and the senior section (aged 18 -21 years old) champion, Andrew Reid, from AJR Farms, Ellon, with his Charolais heifer, Newlogie Uroyaleclipse.

The main livestock competition which commenced simultaneously across three show rings early on Saturday morning featured a massive, catalogued entry of 379 calves and attracted a huge audience throughout the day with the majority staying to witness the grand finale of the native and continental championships, the pairs competition and the new group of three contest.

Husband and wife team, Jason and Sarah Wareham, High Weald, Sussex were given the responsibility of judging the interbreed championships with Sarah decorating the native winners while Jason dished out the sashes in the continental rings.

The 2024 Stars of the Future calf show launched the inaugural group of three event competing to win the Prince of Wales Royal Smithfield Club trophy. Jason Wareham selected the British Blue team as champions and Rachael Wyllie, Vice President of the Royal Smithfield Club presented the prestigious award to Andy Ryder, Secretary of the British Blue Cattle Society. In reserve spot were the British Charolais team.

SELECTED RESULTS - FULL RESULTS ON ‘STARS OF THE FUTURE CALF SHOW’ Facebook Page

GROUP OF THREE CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion - British Blues

Reserve - Charolais

YOUNG HANDLERS’ COMPETITION

Overall Champion – Jim Goldie (Junior section)

SENIOR CLASS

1st - Andrew Reid Lot 431

2nd - Katie Allan Lot 423

3rd - April Forbes Lot 424

4th - Faith Miskelly Lot 431

INTERMEDIATE CLASS

1st - Amy Vance Lot 420

2nd - Lucy Clark Lot 413

3rd - Craig McKinnon Lot 414

4th - James Young Lot 415

JUNIOR CLASS

1st - Jim Goldie Lot 410

2nd - Fletcher Russell Lot 425

3rd - Andrew Dunne Lot 404

4th - Magnus Milne Lot 433

GREAT SHOWING AT AGRIFEST SOUTH WEST

AGRIFEST SOUTH WEST

AgriFest South West was held on Weds 6th November at Westpoint, Exeter. Trustee Chris Riddle represented the Club and presented trophies to the Sheep and Cattle winners.

Sheep - Robert Garth & Sarah Priestley from North Yorkshire with their Texel lambs; Reserve - J & S Bodily from Abergavenny, Monmouthshire with their Beltex lambs.

Cattle - Michael & Melanie Alford from Cullompton, Devon with their Limousin-cross heifer 'The Mistress'; Reserve - James May from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire with his homebred British Blue-cross heifer 'Check Me Out'. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

BORDERWAY AGRI EXPO 'FIRST'

1st November saw a ‘new’ trophy presented by the Club at Agri Expo held at H&H’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Pictured is the Supreme Cattle Champion, the Limousin-cross steer Baby Rambo from Wilodge, receiving the Royal Smithfield Club Jim Stobo perpetual trophy from judge William Smith.


Also shown is the presentation party which included RSC Chairman Simon Orpwood.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ROYAL SMITHFIELD BICENTENARY AWARD

THE ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY - TO NATIONALLY RECOGNISE A PERSON, OR COMPANY, WHO HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION FOR THE OVERALL BENEFIT OF THE BRITISH MEAT AND LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

 

Pictured (L-R) are 2024 Bicentenary Trophy winner Peter Hardwick together with Worshipful Company of Butchers Master Chris Wood and His Grace the Duke of Bedford on the occasion of being presented with the award at Butchers Hall, London in September 2024

Nominations are now open for the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy, an award to publicly recognise an individual's, or company’s, significant contribution for the overall benefit of the British Meat & Livestock Industry. Closing date for receipt of nominations is Fri 20th December 2024. Please click HERE for full details including a list of past winners and the nomination form.

 Objective & Citation: A national award to publicly recognise an individual's, or company’s, significant contribution for the overall benefit of the British Meat & Livestock Industry.

 Eligibility: Open to any person or company within the British Meat & Livestock Industry.

Award: The Royal Smithfield Club's Bicentenary Perpetual Trophy of an Armada Dish set with 25 Golden Guineas.

Nominations: Nomination Forms, completed by the proposer and accompanied by a citation detailing the contribution of the candidate and reasons for the nomination, must be returned to the Club by the closing date of 20th December 2024.

Judges: A Committee appointed by the Royal Smithfield Club will consider the nominations at their meeting to be held in person or via Zoom during the early part of 2025.                                                                               

Winner: The winner will be advised and invited to an appropriate event to receive the award.

For further information please contact Club Secretary, Richard Saunders, richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk

RSC TRUSTEE HONOURED WITH ARAgS AWARD

Leaders in British Farming Honoured with Award at House of Lords Ceremony

On Tuesday, October 15th 2024, the House of Lords opened its historic doors to celebrate the outstanding achievements of 28 trailblazers in the UK’s food and farming industry. These included Royal Smithfield Club Trustee John Dracup.

John Dracup ARAgS

Mr Dracup farms at Broadaford on Dartmoor near Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon and is also Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Sector Chair. He was previously Livestock Procurement Director with the 2 Sisters Group covering the St Merryn businesses in Cornwall & Wales, and McIntosh Donald in Scotland. He was appointed as a Royal Smithfield Club Trustee in 2023.

The prestigious event, hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE FRAgS, praised the recipients for their significant contributions to the sector in the presence of 100 fellow, associates and guests. Organised by the English Panel of the Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS), the ceremony was a true celebration of the innovators, mentors, and leaders who are shaping the future of British agriculture. These awards highlight individuals who have gone above and beyond, driving change in sustainable farming, supporting charities, and pushing the boundaries of research and technology. From advancing traditional farming practices to taking on voluntary roles that strengthen the sector, these honourees are transforming the industry for the better.

Speaking at the ceremony, Andrew Blenkiron FRAgS, Chairman of the English Panel, commended the recipients, stating:  "These 28 exceptional individuals represent the very best of British farming. Through their leadership and dedication, they have become ambassadors for our industry, exemplifying excellence in important areas such as climate change, animal welfare, safety and communicating farming’s message with the general public’.’

Rt Hon Lord Taylor also offered his congratulations to the award recipients: "British farming thrives because of dedicated individuals like today’s award recipients. Their passion and hard work are what make our agricultural sector world-leading. Today is about recognising their incredible achievements and the lasting impact they’ve made, both here and internationally."

Individuals receiving Associate Awards ( ARAgS) are highlighted in green below

Associates advanced to a Fellowship Award ( FRAgS) are highlighted in pink below

JAMES STOBO TROPHY TO BE PRESENTED AT AGRI EXPO

Famous Smithfield Trophy To Be Presented At Borderway Agri Expo

The Supreme Cattle Champion at this year’s Borderway Agri Expo on November 1st will receive the first ever presentation of an historic Royal Smithfield Club trophy. This trophy will be presented to the winner in conjunction with the prestigious Robert L Scott Memorial trophy donated to the show in 2010 by retired H&H Group Chairman and well respected farmer, Michael Scott and his family in memory of their late son.

Lynne Grieve of Harrison & Hetherington pictured with the James Stobo Perpetual Trophy

The James Stobo Perpetual Trophy is named in memory of the renowned Berwick cattle breeder James ‘Jim’ Stobo, and this remarkable silver Championship trophy was won by AH & J Stobo for ‘Best Beast in Show’ at the Royal Smithfield Show at Earls Court in 1956.  

 Thought to have been made in 1820, weighing 105 Troy ounces and valued in the region of £20,000, the hallmarked Sterling silver trophy was then awarded for the Royal Smithfield Supreme Cattle Champion in 2011 and last presented at the East of England Smithfield Festival in 2016 to Jennifer Hyslop for her Limousin-sired heifer Sassy Lassy.  

 On November 1st, at Borderway Agri Expo, the renamed James Stobo Perpetual Trophy will begin a new chapter in its long life as an additional award to the Supreme Cattle Champion at one of today’s most important livestock shows in the UK. 

 The trophy will be presented to the Agri Expo Supreme Champion by the Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club, Simon Orpwood. “It is fitting in our 225th anniversary year that the Club is able to present such a prestigious trophy at one of the UK's premier agricultural events. Jim Stobo, who passed away last year aged 88, was a keen supporter of the Club. He served three times as a Member of our Council and as Chairman. He acted regularly as steward and judge at the Royal Smithfield Show, and he showed regularly at Earls Court with championship winning success. So the Trustees are delighted to award the James Stobo Perpetual Trophy to the Supreme Cattle Champion at Agri Expo in his honour."

 Harrison & Hetherington Head of Customer Relations, Lynne Grieve, leads the livestock entries at Agri Expo. “This is a wonderful gesture from the Club to offer us such an important trophy and to commemorate Jim Stobo’s life in such an appropriate way.  The Royal Smithfield Club, Jim Stobo, and the trophy all represent the best of cattle breeding in Britain, and the winner of our Supreme Cattle Championship at Agri Expo will be continuing a fantastic and historic tradition.”  

“This trophy will be presented to the Champion alongside our own sought after Robert L Scott Memorial trophy, and The Smithfield trophy was actually won in 2008 by a heifer bred by R & M Scott, Thirlwall Castle, shown by A & E Vance called Divine Diva.”

The Royal Smithfield Club was instituted as the Smithfield Cattle & Sheep Society in 1798 and founded as the Smithfield Club in 1802. Granted Royal Status in 1960, the Club’s objectives remain true to its founding principles, promoting best practice in the production of quality livestock for the British meat industry through primestock shows, carcase competitions and technical demonstrations at key events in the UK. 2024 marks the 225th Anniversary since the first Smithfield Show.

 Established by Harrison & Hetherington in 2007 at their Borderway livestock trading hub in Carlisle, Borderway Agri Expo has grown into one of the UK’s foremost Autumn livestock events, showcasing the best quality beef cattle and sheep, the latest developments in farming practice, breeding, genetics, machinery, equipment, technology, environmental issues, livestock marketing and export opportunities. It is a true celebration of the very best British livestock and the farmers, breeders and stockmen who look after them, attracting participants and spectators from the four corners of the UK and Ireland, and an online audience of thousands across the world.

Borderway Agri Expo 2024 takes place at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday 1st November. Admission is free, and full details of the Programme and Directions can be found at:  borderwayagriexpo.uk

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO PETER HARDWICK

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO PETER HARDWICK

Peter Hardwick has been awarded the prestigious Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the British Meat and Livestock Industry. The presentation was made by His Grace The Duke of Bedford at Butchers Hall, London on Friday 6th September 2024 on the occasion of the Worshipful Company of Butchers’ Court & Livery Luncheon.

L-R Peter Hardwick, Chris Wood, His Grace the Duke of Bedford

Earlier that day, Peter had been robed as a Liveryman by Master Chris Wood in front of family and industry colleagues. However, in keeping with tradition, the Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy, is ‘sprung’ on the recipient without their prior knowledge.

Peter Hardwick receiving the Armada Dish Bicentenary Trophy

In making the announcement, His Grace said: “Peter’s contribution to our industry is outstanding, though much of his work is unseen as it is behind the scenes and he has worked tirelessly on behalf of producers, processors, wholesalers, exporters and retailers. In particular, his recent work has helped rebuild our reputation and sales in the export markets, rebuilding business to nearly £1 Billion to over 50 countries around the world following the impact of Brexit and the covid pandemic, and the nightmare of the Brexit regime of paperwork, complexity and cost.”

The Great Hall

It was fitting that not only was His Grace instrumental in establishing the Bicentenary Award in 1998 to mark 200 years of the Smithfield Club, but that it was his ancestor, Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford who founded the Club back in 1798.

RSC President Geoff Burgess with His Grace The Duke of Bedford

The Bicentenary nomination had put forward by National Farmers Union Chief Livestock Adviser, John Royle, on behalf of the then NFU Officer Holder Team of Minette Batters, Tom Bradshaw and David Exwood.

Worshipful Company of Butchers’ Great Hall

“Peter Hardwick has for more than three decades provided inspirational insight and leadership for the British red meat sector, particularly in his more recent roles as head of trade development at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, and as trade policy adviser with the British Meat Processors Association,” read the citation.

L-R Nick Allen BMPA, Peter Hardwick, Geoff Burgess & Richard Saunders

Also present were Club President Geoff Burgess and Secretary Richard Saunders who added: “Peter is always willing to engage and impart his incredible knowledge of international markets and explore the challenges and opportunities for the UK meat industry. He has made an exceptional contribution to the UK red meat industry and is a worthy winner of this prestigious award.”

Grateful thanks are extended to WCB Master Chris Wood & Acting Clerk Carla Ashcroft for facilitating the presentation to Peter

NOTES

Butchers Hall

·         The Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Award was established in 1998 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798, and is a national award to publicly recognize an individual’s or company’s significant contribution to the overall benefit of the British Meat and Livestock Industry

·         Peter Hardwick is the 22nd recipient of the annual award which includes the presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield. The winner receives the trophy, a solid silver Armada Shield, set with 25 gold guineas all dated 1798 from the reign of George II, each sponsored by individuals or families who had a long history of involvement with the Smithfield Show, including the late Queen Mother who was a huge supporter of the Club

BICENTENARY TROPHY - PREVIOUS WINNERS

2000 Sir Don Curry MLC

2001 Fred Mallion

2002 John Thorley NSA

2003 Jack Woodhead Woodhead Bros

2004 Norman Bagley AIMS

2005 David Raine

2006 J Alan Stevenson

2007 Ian Galloway Scotbeef

2008 Dr Basil Lowman SAC

2009 Richard Cracknell ABP

2010 Prof Geoff Simm SAC

2011 J Rees Roberts HCC

2012 HRH The Prince of Wales

2013 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust

2014 David Gunner Dovecote Park

2015 John Cross Former Chairman, EBLEX

2016 Prof Julie Fitzpatrick Moredun Research Institute

2017 Robert Forster

2018 Heather Jenkins Waitrose Partners

2019 Terry Bayliss Farmers Fresh

2020 Not awarded

2021 Not awarded

2022 Elizabeth Buchanan Farming Help Network

2023 Not awarded

2024 Peter Hardwick British Meat Processors Association. And formerly AHDB








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

225TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH 11TH DECEMBER

2024 is the 225th Anniversary of the first Smithfield Show held at the Dolphin Yard at Wootton's Livery Stables adjacent to Smithfield market on the first Monday of December 1799. 2024 also marks 20 years since the final London show at Earl's Court.

Members at Drumlanrig Castle in 2018

We are therefore proposing holding a lunch on 11th December at the Farmers Club, London for Members to gather and no doubt reminisce on old times - followed by a few words and anecdotes from those present.

Members Country Meeting 2018 at Drumlanrig Castle

Tickets are priced at £65pp to include drinks on arrival, buffet lunch and wine on the table. To reserve your place, please email Secretary Richard Saunders (richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk). Please note that spaces are limited.

2024 COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE

2024 RASC (Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth) Conference

  • Early Bird discount ends 31/01

  • Apply for Next Gen bursary by 21/01
     

As the excitement builds for this unique gathering of agricultural minds, we want to remind you that the early bird registration discounts will be ending on Wednesday 31st January, 2024. This is your final opportunity to secure your spot at a reduced rate and ensure your participation in a week of inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and networking. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of an event that brings together some of the finest speakers, sessions, and topics from across the Commonwealth. To secure your tickets, please visit www.therasc.com or click HERE.

The Club is offering a £750 bursary for someone aged 25-40 to attend the RASC Conference as a Next Generation delegate. Please click HERE for further information or contact Club Secretary Richard Saunders richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk

RASC CONFERENCE JUNE 2024 - BURSARY AVAILABLE

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH (RASC)

NEXT GENERATION DELEGATE – RASC CONFERENCE 20-27 JUNE 2024

 

The Royal Smithfield Club aims to support a Next Generation (NG) delegate, aged 25-40, who would like to attend the forthcoming Commonwealth Agricultural Conference being held in Edinburgh, Scotland 20-27 June 2024.

RASC NG is a forum which brings together people under the age of 40 from across the globe, who share a common interest and passion for Agriculture.

We welcome applications from those interested in attending, and are offering a bursary of £750 as a discount towards conference fees. Please visit the RASC website (www.therasc.com) for background information and conference details. Indicative costs (incl VAT) are conference fees of £780 for a NG delegate plus 4 nights’ accommodation @ £119 per night totalling £1,256. NG delegates are to meet the remaining costs themselves including any travel expenses.

 

Provisional NG Timetable

·         Sunday 23 June: Conference Registration & Cocktail Reception. Afternoon - registration for the main conference followed by an evening cocktail reception

·         Monday 24 June: CEO and Next Generation sessions. A full day of activity followed by an informal dinner

·         Tuesday 25 June: CEO and Next Generation sessions continue. A morning session to reflect and discuss the learnings. Afternoon - main Conference starts

·         Wednesday 26 June: main Conference continues. RASC Gala Dinner

·         Thurs 27 June: main Conference concludes. Following the wrap-up session, delegates are invited to attend the 2024 RASC AGM

 

In the first instance, please email Club Secretary Richard Saunders (richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk) to request an application form or download it HERE.

Please note, applications close 21st January 2024.

WINTER 2023/24 CHAIRMAN'S BRIEFING

Please click HERE for a Briefing from Club Chairman Simon Orpwood as he reflects on the winter fair season and looks ahead to the Commonwealth Conference being held in Edinburgh during June 2024. He also extends an invitation to Members to attend the Annual Meeting of Club Members by Zoom on Weds 13th December 2023 commencing 5pm until 5.30pm. Further information from Secretary Richard Saunders E: richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

GREAT DISPLAY OF RIBS & SADDLES AT LIVESCOT

GREAT RIBS & SADDLES DISPLAY AT LIVESCOT

·         Matthew Currie - Champion Rib

·         Robert Laird - Lamb Champion


LiveScot, held at Lanark on Saturday 25 November, included the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions.

 Judge for the day was Dan Gilmour from Gilmour Butchers with the event supported by Quality Meat Scotland & John Scott Meats.

L-R John Scott (John Scott Meats), Jason Ward (John Scott Meats) Dan Gilmour judge (Gilmour Butchers), Matthew Currie (producer), Simon Orpwood (RSC Chairman) and Jamie Scott (John Scott Meats)

From strong classes of Native & Continental Ribs, the Champion was an Angus from Matthew Currie, Skewbridge, Mouswald, Dumfries. The Reserve championship was another Angus from Tom King. 

Lamb Saddles Display with Champion & Reserve as indicated

Taking home the Club trophy for best Saddle of Lamb from another strong entry of light and heavy lambs was Robert Laird, Cambwell, Biggar.

L-R John Scott (John Scott Meats), Jason Ward (John Scott Meats) Dan Gilmour judge (Gilmour Butchers), Robert Laird (producer), Simon Orpwood (RSC Chairman) and Jamie Scott (John Scott Meats)

Reserve Champion was R&M Struthers, Carluke.

Judge Dan Gilmour


Results

Continental Beef Rib

  1. Brian Capper

  2. Willie Purdon

  3. John Brown

Champion Rib H&M Currie

 

Native Beef Rib

1.    Matthew Currie (Champion)

2.    Tom King (Reserve Champion)

3.    McMillan

Reserve Rib - Tom King

 

Lamb Saddle (Light)

1.    D. McFadzean

2.    R&M Struthers

3.    R&B Dickie

RSC Perpetual Trophy for Champion Beef Rib

 

Lamb Saddle (Heavy)

1.    Robert Laird (Champion)

2.    R&M Struthers (Reserve Champion)

3.    George Whyte

The Club extends its grateful thanks and appreciation to Gordon Newlands of QMS and to John Scott Meats for their support. Thank you also to judge Dan Gilmour for officiating.

SMITHFIELD CENTRE-STAGE AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

SMITHFIELD CENTRE-STAGE AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

 

·         British Blue Team wins Duke of Norfolk Trophy

·         Herefords Reserve

·         Perrys of Eccleshall secure Beef Ribs Champion & Reserve

·         Greenfields take Saddle of Lamb Championship

·         Reserve Saddle goes to Stanedge Grange

·         RABI Single Lamb trophy to Madders & Johnson

 

The English Winter Fair, held on the weekend of 18-19 November 2023 at the Staffordshire County Showground, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd with a number of highlights involving competitions supported by the Royal Smithfield Club. 

The British Blue Team won the Duke of Norfolk Trophy

In the much-anticipated competition for the Duke of Norfolk Trophy, for the best group of three purebred animals, a packed ring on the Sunday saw seven breeds go head-to-head with the British Blues winning and the Herefords reserve.

Judge John Hall, Inglewood Edge, Penrith, Cumbria praised the winning trio as ‘an even, well-balanced group, very nicely matched.’ The winners comprised the junior heifer Brookley Blue Thumbelina from J Taylor together with two heifers from K Watret - Solway View Tesha and Solway View Sunlight.

Reserve Duke of Norfolk - the Hereford Trio

Standing reserve was the Hereford team of three steers: Pow from TG & EM Hart & Son, and Normanton 1 Woodonga & Normanton 1 Ant from TD & WT Livesey. Making the presentation was Geoff Burgess, Club President.

 

L-R Richard Saunders, Paul Sargeant, Steve Cartmail, Stephen Hill

The Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, with a record 28 entries across the two sections, was judged by Paul Sargeant of TG Sargeant & Sons, Bramshall, Uttoxeter, a family business comprising farming and butchery.

Champion Beef Rib

The Champion Beef Rib came from Perrys of Eccleshall with a Limousin-sired heifer from producer Steve Cartmail and presented by butcher Stephen Hill. The judge praised the winner for its ‘thickness of eye muscle and nice fat cover.’ Reserve Rib again went to Perrys with a Lim-cross steer from Simon Hamplett. The winning rib later sold for £390 in Bagshaws’ post-show auction with the reserve rib proceeds donated by Perrys to benefit family food boxes at Christmas.

 

L-R Ben Greenfield, Richard Saunders, Paul Sargeant

The Perpetual Lamb Saddle Trophy was awarded to Greenfields Farmers & Butchers with their 23kg Texel-cross described as having ‘great thickness of eye muscle and length’ by the judge. The reserve title went to Stanedge Grange Butchery with another Texel-sired lamb.

Champion Saddle of Lamb

 

Earlier on the Sunday, the Royal Smithfield RABI Single Butchers Lamb trophy judged by Antony Glaves was presented to Mary Madders of Madders & Johnson by Richard Saunders, RSC Secretary, and Kate Jones, RABI Regional Manager.

Part of the this year’s bumper entry!

 The Royal Smithfield Club extends its thanks to judges Paul Sargeant, John Hall and Antony Glaves, to carcase hall Stewards John Bradshaw & Antony Key, to all exhibitors, and all the team from the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society. 

RIBS & SADDLES RESULTS

Heifer Ribs

1.    880. Perrys of Eccleshall/Steve Cartmail Lim-cross – Overall Champion

2.    888. EW Coates/M Wynne Lim-cross

3.    881. Perrys of Eccleshall/Steve Cartmail Lim-cross

 

Steer Ribs

1.    885. Perrys of Eccleshall/Simon Hamplett Lim-cross – Overall Reserve

2.    889. G Maycock & Son Angus-cross

3.    886. Warrendale Wagyu Wagyu-cross

 

Lamb Saddles

1.    894. Greenfields Texel-cross

2.    890. Stanedge Grange Texel-cross

3.    897. M&C Morris

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT TURNOUT AT STARS OF THE FUTURE

The Royal Smithfield Club was again delighted to support the Young Handlers competition at this year's Stars of the Future which took place on the evening of Fri 10th November followed on the Saturday by the Stars of the Future Calf Show at United Auctions, Stirling. Open to ages 11-21, and judged by Teresa Wilson, there was a bumper turnout across all three age ranges.

Overall winner Lily Smith

This year’s Overall Winner was Lily Smith who was presented with the Club trophy by Rachael Wyllie, a Vice President of the RSC.

L-R judge Teresa Wilson, Lily Smith, Rachael Wyllie

Junior

1st - Lily Smith

2nd - Olly Patterson

3rd - Fletcher Russell

4th - Lexi Pattinson


Intermediate

1st - Chloe McEwan

2nd - Rachel Forbes

3rd - Sophie Adams

4th - Marcus Beresford 


Senior

1st - Finlay Souter

2nd - Sarah Hunter

3rd - Emma Stronach

4th - Sara Cheyne


Overall winner was Lily Smith.For further pictures and information, please search ‘Stars of the Future Calf Show’ on Facebook

Become a Member....