Please click HERE for the latest Chairman’s Briefing from Royal Smithfield Club Chair, Chris Riddle. Catch up on all the recent Club news, events and ongoing activity. Wishing all Members and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
STRONG SMITHFIELD SHOWING AT LIVESCOT
STRONG SMITHFIELD SHOWING AT LIVESCOT
David Dickinson Champion Beef Rib
Robert Frame takes Saddle of Lamb Championship
LiveScot, held at Lanark on Saturday 26 November 2022, included the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions. Judge for the day was Jason Ward from John Scott Meats, Paisley with the event supported by Hugh Black & Sons Butchers & Quality Meat Scotland.
Beef Rib Championship Presentation
Nine beef ribs of very high quality were entered with the Champion coming from David Dickinson, Brookwoodlees Farm, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire with a 378kg Limousin-cross heifer grading R4L. David finishes about 650 cattle per year on his 480-acre, all-grass farm. The Reserve championship went to T & A Taylor, Heatheryhall Farm, Biggar with another Lim-cross heifer.
Saddle of Lamb Championship presentation
Taking home the Club trophy for best Saddle of Lamb from a strong entry of 15 was Robert Frame from J & J Frame & Co, Dyke Head Farm with a 27.9kg Texel-cross. Reserve Champion was Andrew Dunlop of Corstane Farm, Biggar with a 22.9kg Beltex.
Beef Ribs display with Louise Forsyth of The Scotch Butchers Club
Results
Beef Rib
1. David Dickinson
2. T & A Taylor
Lamb Saddle
1. J & J Frame & Co
2. Andrew Dunlop
The Club extends its grateful thanks to the following or all their efforts in making the event such a success: all the exhibitors for putting entries forward, Julie Wight and the Scottish Fatstock Club Committee, Hugh Black of Hugh Black & Sons Butchers, Gordon Newlands of QMS, Louise Forsyth of the Scotch Butchers Club, judge Jason Ward and RSC representative Andrew Gilmour.
2022 BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO ELIZABETH BUCHANAN
ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO ELIZABETH BUCHANAN
Elizabeth Buchanan receiving the Bicentenary Trophy from Club President Geoff Burgess
Elizabeth Buchanan CVO, FRAgS has been awarded the prestigious Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of her outstanding contribution to British Agriculture. The presentation was made by Royal Smithfield Club President Geoff Burgess at the South of England Farming Conference held in Ardingley, West Sussex on Wednesday 16th November.
The Bicentenary nomination was put forward by Addington Fund CEO, Bill Young, together with Forage Aid Founder, Andrew Ward, and CEO of the Farming Community Network, Jude McCann.
“Elizabeth devotes her time to fight tooth and nail for British agriculture and we are truly in awe of what she continues to achieve for the livestock industry and agriculture in general. Most of this is done quietly and off the record and we consider her to be one of the great advocates for British farming and cannot think of a more deserving winner,” said Bill Young.
Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Presentation l-r Geoff Burgess RSC President, Elizabeth Buchanan recipient of award, Tom Gribble SEAS Trustee, Charles Burgoyne SEAS Chairman
Elizabeth is also a Trustee for The Prince’s Countryside Fund, a non-executive board member of DEFRA, a member of the BBC Rural Affairs Committee as well as working as an adviser to Waitrose and Dairy Crest. She also runs her family 200-acre organic pedigree cattle farm in Sussex.
The Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy is an annual award and, in keeping with tradition, is ‘sprung’ on the recipient without their prior knowledge. In making the presentation, RSC President Geoff Burgess said: “Elizabeth is hugely deserving of this award for her overall contribution to the UK livestock and meat industry and in recognition of the way she devotes herself to the cause of British agriculture in so many different ways.”
SMITHFIELD HIGHLIGHTS AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR
SMITHFIELD HIGHLIGHTS AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR
· British Blue Team wins Duke of Norfolk Trophy
· Perrys of Eccleshall secure Beef Ribs Championship
· Joseph Morris take Saddle of Lamb Champion
· Coates & Wynne takes Reserve Rib award
· Reserve Saddle goes to Greenfields
· RABI Single Lamb trophy to The Goodwood Estate
The English Winter Fair, held on the weekend of 19-20 November 2022 at the Staffordshire County Showground, was once again a resounding success with many of its highlights involving competitions supported by the Royal Smithfield Club.
Phil Halhead and Duke of Norfolk line-up
The British Blue Team are Duke of Norfolk winners
In the much-anticipated Duke of Norfolk Trophy, for the best group of three purebred animals, a large crowd on the Sunday witnessed six breeds go head-to-head with the British Blues winning and the Herefords in reserve. Judge Phil Halhead praised the winning trio as ‘a very correct and consistent group, very uniform in size and shape.’ The winners comprised the bull calves Maes Sancho and Maes Supernova from IP Jones together with Kevin Watret’s heifer Solwayview Secret. Standing reserve was the Hereford team. Making the presentation was Geoff Burgess, Club President.
Duke of Norfolk Runners-up Team Hereford
Beef Ribs Championship Presentation l-r Stephen Hill (Perrys of Eccleshall), Steve Cartmell (Producer), Carl Norton (Butcher), Richard Saunders (Club Secretary), Dave Morland (judge), Geoff Burgess (RSC President)
The Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, with a record dozen entries in each section, was judged by Dave Morland of Tebay Farm Shop & Services, Cumbria. The Champion Beef Rib came from Perrys of Eccleshall with a 24-month Limousin-sired heifer weighing in at 560kg liveweight from producer Steve Cartmell and presented by butcher Carl Norton. The judge described the winner as ‘full of meat, with marbling and nice fat cover.’ Reserve Rib went to Messrs Coates & Wynne.
Beef Rib winner Perrys of Eccleshall
Reserve Beef Rib - Messrs Coates & Wynne
The Perpetual Lamb Saddle Trophy was awarded to Joseph Morris Butchers with their Beltex ewe lamb described as having ‘a full eye of meat and nice covering of fat’ by Mr Morland. The reserve title went to Greenfields. The winning entries made £320 and £200 respectively for charity in Bagshaws’ post-show auction.
Joseph Morris Butchers’ Champion Saddle of Lamb
Reserve Saddle from Greenfields Lamb
Earlier on the Sunday, the Royal Smithfield RABI Single Butchers Lamb trophy went to Nick Page of The Goodwood Estate, West Sussex with a Beltex x Texel with reserve a Texel-cross from G Bellfield, Cheshire. Presenting the award was Richard Saunders, RSC Secretary, and Kate Jones, RABI Regional Manager.
Judge Dave Morland (left) pictured with Club Trustee William Bedell
The Royal Smithfield Club extends its thanks to judges Dave Morland & Phil Halhead, to carcase hall Stewards John Bradshaw & Antony Key, to all exhibitors, and all the team from the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society
SMITHFIELD COMPETITIONS AT LIVESCOT
Busy Smithfield Ribs & Saddles competitions at LiveScot 2021
The Scottish National Fatstock Club again hosts the two-day LiveScot event at Lanark Agricultural Centre Fri 25th to Sat 26th November. It incorporates a pedigree and commercial primestock show alongside the Royal Smithfield Club’s Beef Ribs and Saddles of Lamb competitions which is supported by Hugh Black Butchers & Quality Meat Scotland. Please click HERE for the schedule (Smithfield Ribs & Saddles p25) and HERE for the entry form (p15). Entries close 28 October.
Thanks again goes to Hugh Black Butchers & QMS for their continued support
SMITHFIELD RIBS & SADDLES FEATURE AGAIN AT EWF
The Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions will once again be a feature of the English Winter Fair being held Sat 19 to Sun 20 November 2022. Please click HERE for the schedule and HERE for the entry form. A highlight of the winter fatstock season, the English Winter Fair goes ahead at the Staffordshire Showground and includes the presentation of The Duke of Norfolk trophy, Young Farmers award and RABI trophy - all supported by the Club The Club’s Annual Meeting of Club Members will also take place at 2pm o the Sunday in the President’s Suite. See www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk
RASC NEWSLETTER
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH - MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER
Simon Orpwood
Welcome from Simon Orpwood, Honorary Press Secretary
It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her 70 year reign, she gave great support to our founder His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. We send our deepest Condolences to our President H.R.H. The Princess Royal and all the Royal Family as they mourn their loss and reflect on the remarkable legacy that she leaves behind.
Since the last newsletter, we have seen many shows here in the UK, and the EKKA in Queensland which was well attended and did a very good job of showing people where their food comes from. The Adelaide Show has just finished. Here in the UK, I attended the Border Union Ram Sale with a friend from Australia where 3,626 rams were sold in 15 rings simultaneously selling to an average of £1,000 per ram.
We have the Melbourne Royal Show taking place later this month (23/09-02/10), and I look forward to attending the Christchurch Show in New Zealand.
Border Union Ram Sale
RASC CEO Session
RASC CEO Session
On 26th August, we were delighted to be able to host a Zoom session for CEOs of agricultural show and fair societies from across the globe on the theme of ‘Back in Action for 2022 – Let’s Discuss’.
Open to both RASC members and non-members, this informal session was an opportunity to hear from four significant players within our show world and for an open discussion on how the past couple of years have been and the challenges and opportunities now facing such organisations. Fascinating insights from Kent Hojem (Washington State Fair), Steve Hughson (Royal Welsh Agricultural Society), Terry Strachan (Royal Agricultural Society of Natal) and Darryl Jeffrey (Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales) led to some great questions and a definite recognition that the current issues (often relating to equipment supply and labour shortage problems) are very much a world-wide phenomenon.
For those involved in producing some of the world’s top events, it is good to share concerns and hopefully provide contacts and insights that help support all involved in our rather specialist sphere.
On a positive note, it was fabulous to hear that show and fair events are, by and large, seeing excellent attendance levels and the support of communities who are obviously delighted to see their return.
Michael Lambert (centre)
Showcasing Collaboration
Agri-Expo, who are Members of the RASC, were delighted to welcome the Honorary Secretary of the RASC, Michael Lambert, to the Western Cape last week. The RASC is the voice of agriculture in the Commonwealth working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and its associated bodies. Agri-Expo introduced Michael to some of their partners, showcasing examples of collaboration between Agri-Expo and the broader agricultural sector. A huge thank you to the Minister of Agriculture in the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, !Xhariep Agricultural Writers SA, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Groote Post Vineyards and Hoër Landbouskool Boland/Boland Agricultural School for their hospitality and partnership.
2022 Perth Royal Show
Taken at the 2022 Perth Royal Show
Taking place from 24th September right through until 1st October, the ever-popular Perth Royal Show is back. Spread across eight days, it will be the highlight event for Spring and offers a wealth of attractions, entertainment and quality of livestock and agriculture. From all at the RASC, we wish the team at Perth Royal Show a successful 2022 event. To learn more, head to their website using the link below:
https://perthroyalshow.com.au
Meet The Trustee - Simon Orpwood
What is your role within the RASC?
I am a Trustee and the Honorary Press Secretary for the RASC. I have been a trustee of RASC since 2010 and Press Officer since Philip Bolham retired 2012.
Tell us about your history and background...
I was born at Ewelme in South Oxfordshire where my family have farmed for many years. I went to school at Kingham Hill on the Oxfordshire-Gloucestershire border - a school which owned 3,000 acres of land. I was chairman of the school Young Farmers'. After school I went to Moulton Agricultural College, after which I came home and became vice chairman of Henley Young Farmers. In 1973, I went to Australia only meant to stay 6 months, but stayed 18 months! I travelled all over Australia, attending the Royal Easter Show in Sydney and the Melbourne Show. I spent two months in New Zealand where I attended the Christchurch Show.
I joined the Farmers' Club under 30s in 1969 and was on the under 30s committee. I also did 6 years on the main committee of the Farmers' Club. I spoke at the Oxford Farming Conference in 1982 - at the time the youngest person to speak.
When I came back from Australia I kept outdoor pigs on an arable farmers land. I was a founding director of Lys Mill company which made pig food. I married Caroline in 1982 and we bought a farm in Gloucestershire near her home. We moved to Northumberland in 1987 where we have two farms. I was master of the College Valley North Northumberland Hunt for 16 seasons.
We have 3 boys: our eldest is married with 2 boys and farms in the South Island of New Zealand; our second son helps with the farm property and works for an insurance broker; our third son is married and is an amateur jump jockey and his wife is an event rider.
Now, I am Trustee and Vice Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club - I have held quite a few chief steward positions. I was previously Vice Chairman of Glendale Agricultural Society and am now Vice President.
What does the RASC mean to you and why is it important?
The RASC is the most wonderful society to bring people together from around the Commonwealth and to learn from each other. The Next Generation group of the RASC has done so much to give young people an opportunity, and I look forward to seeing the future of the RASC.
To join or find out more about the RASC see www.therasc.com
RSC LENDS ITS SUPPORT TO STARS OF THE FUTURE
The Royal Smithfield Club is delighted to be supporting the Young Handlers competition at this year's Stars of the Future. The Young Handlers competition takes place Fri 11th November followed on the Saturday by the Stars of the Future Calf Show at United Auctions, Stirling. The YH competition is open to ages 11-21 and will be judged by Catherine McKechnie.
Saturday’s Calf Show gives an opportunity for many breeds to showcase up-and-coming pedigree youngstock with Aberdeen-Angus, British Blue, Charolais, Highland, Hereford, Limousin and Simmental calves as well as classes for Commercials and Any Other Breed. Entries close 21 October. To enter please click HERE.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
The Royal Smithfield Club is deeply saddened by the news of the death of our Patron Her Majesty The Queen. The Club was granted royal status in 1960 and has enjoyed a long association with the Royal Family, most recently with HRH The Countess of Wessex serving as Club President in 2019 and 2021.
Her Majesty The Queen meeting members of the Young Farmers Club in the cattle lines at the 1998 Bicentenary Royal Smithfield Show at Earls Court
The Club was honoured that, in its Bicentenary Year 1998, Her Majesty graciously accepted the Presidency of the Club, the first occasion a reigning monarch had accepted the position.
Her Majesty had a passion for livestock and was a great supporter of farming and rural life. Our thoughts and condolences are with members of the Royal Family.
BICENTENARY AWARD - NOMINATIONS OPEN!
Terry Bayliss (centre) of Farmers Fresh pictured receiving the 2019 Bicentenary Trophy
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy, a national award to publicly recognise an individual's, or company’s, significant contribution for the overall benefit of the British Meat & Livestock Industry. Please click HERE for the nomination form which should be returned to the Club by the closing date of 16th September 2022. The winner, as selected at a committee meeting being held on Tuesday 27th September 2022, receives the Royal Smithfield Club's Bicentenary Perpetual Trophy of an Armada Dish set with 25 Golden Guineas.
RASC NEWSLETTER
Simon Orpwood, Honorary Liaison Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, reports…
”The Countryside is looking well here at the moment with lovely colours, all the stock are outside here now and the crops are looking well, too. We must congratulate Her Majesty the Queen for reaching 70 years on the Throne. We are all delighted that Aled Jones has been made Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society - I am sure Aled will take the RWAS forward. The show season is in full swing here in the UK, and everybody is glad to be out and about again meeting old friends. I attended the Border Union Children’s Day which 1,200 school children aged 9-12 attended. This was a very well-run day and hopefully they learnt something of where their food comes from and about the countryside. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM on Wednesday 29th June at the Royal Norfolk Show.”
2022 RASC AGM & Tour
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Ltd will be held at the Royal Norfolk Show Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT
at 12:30PM on Wednesday 29th June 2022. On Tuesday 28th June, the RASC will be holding a tour at the Food Enterprise Park and Honingham Thorpe Farms and Business Centre, followed by lunch at The Goat Shed kitchen and farm shop. The Greater Norwich Food Enterprise Zone encompasses the Royal Norfolk Showground, Easton Agricultural College, and the Food Enterprise Park (FEP). The FEP is owned by Honingham Thorpe Farms and the day will be based within a small area with interesting discussions and visits. The Tour and Lunch (including transport) will be charged at £50 per person. Please register your interest with Rebecca by Wednesday 8th June via email: rebecca@therasc.com.
Incoming RWAS Chief Executive Aled Jones
Congratulations Aled!
RASC is delighted by the news of the appointment of Aled Jones as the new CEO of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. Aled has been a Trustee of RASC for a number of years and has been one of our Next Generation Facilitators playing a key role in the development of that section of RASC. Aled has an enormous knowledge and wealth of experience of the Agricultural Show Society world and his Nuffield Scholarship Report into the role of Agricultural Societies and Shows was a landmark document which has huge relevance today as show societies grapple with the challenges post the Covid pandemic. Through his broadcasting skills Aled has been helping RASC improve its communication with members in particular with the start of a series of RASC Podcasts. RASC sends many congratulations to Aled and we look forward to working with him in his role as CEO of the RWAS.
For the latest RASC news, please click HERE or visit www.therasc.com
Professor Phil Garnsworthy Wins 2022 Sir John Hammond Award
The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) has announced Professor Phil Garnsworthy as the recipient of the prestigious Sir John Hammond award 2022. The award was re-launched in 2021 in collaboration with the British Cattle Breeders Club (BCBC). Phil was presented with the Sir Richard Cooper trophy put forward by The Smithfield Forum on Wednesday 13th April at the BSAS 2022 conference.
Phil Garnsworthy (right) receiving his award from Michael Lee at the BSAS Annual Conference
Phil Garnsworthy is a highly celebrated figure within the global animal science community for his extensive research and invaluable contribution to the field of animal production, having collaborated on a number of international research projects during his 41-year career. Currently the Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Nottingham, Phil also leads the AHDB Research Partnership on Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition. The main theme of his research is to optimise resource use and profitability of animal production systems, while reducing their environmental impact. A gifted scholar, Phil has authored and published more than 200 academic papers, to much acclaim from his fellow animal scientists and technologists, and in 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Leroy Fellowship, by the European Federation for Animal Science, for ‘an outstanding scientific contribution to Animal Production over a sustained period.’
‘I feel very honoured to be receiving the Sir John Hammond Award 2022. Although the award is made to me personally, the research is very much a team effort. I would like to acknowledge the many colleagues, postdocs, technicians, and PhD students that I have worked with over the years. Collectively, we have pushed back the frontiers of dairy science, and I accept the award on behalf of the whole team,’ Professor Garnsworthy said.
Highly selective, the Sir John Hammond Award is based solely on nominations and is awarded to those who have made significant contribution through research, teaching, knowledge exchange, breeding, farming industry or affiliated professions.
‘Phil’s extensive research and invaluable contribution to the field of animal production has identified him as a world-renowned leader in the animal sciences. Alongside his incredible research career, Phil has also been an enormous supporter and inspiration to the next generation of animal scientists, having supervised more than 30 PhD students. Extremely generous with his time, Phil is often to be found sharing his expertise at various early career workshops and webinars, as he strives to give the animal scientists of the future, the foundation they need to flourish. The awarding of the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize demonstrates BSAS’ appreciation and recognition of all he has accomplished,’ added BSAS President, Professor Michael Lee.
This is a joint award with the British Cattle Breeders Club which Sir John Hammond founded in 1946. The Club aims to improve the breeding of livestock, by promoting knowledge through collecting, collating, and distributing available information and data if practical and scientific interest, to breeders of cattle at home and overseas.
JOHN DRACUP APPOINTED RED TRACTOR BEEF & LAMB CHAIRMAN
Royal Smithfield Club Industry Strategy Director John Dracup is to join Red Tractor as its new Beef and Lamb chair, after more than three decades of experience as an advocate and leader in British agriculture and the food processing industry.
The Club’s Industry Strategy Director, John Dracup, joins Red Tractor as its Beef & Lamb Chair
In addition to running a successful beef and lamb family farming business in Devon, he has experience in pioneering electronic auctions and managing one of the largest beef and lamb processor’s livestock divisions. He will continue with his role as Industry Strategy Director for the Club.
Jim Moseley, Red Tractor’s chief executive, said: “British agriculture is facing some of the greatest challenges of a lifetime. John’s extensive experience in food and farming will be a huge asset to the Beef and Lamb board, so that we can continue to deliver a scheme which reflects the diverse demands of the sector.
“Findings from our Trust in Food Index has found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor.
“If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK-produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British farming standards.”
BUILDING ON REPUTATION
Mr Dracup said: “I’m delighted to join Red Tractor at such a critical time for British agriculture. I am passionate about the British food and farming industry and the need to maintain its position and reputation for supplying quality products with integrity.
“We need to ensure a continued focus on providing added value through the scheme, delivering an effective and robust assurance scheme to underpin the fantastic reputation of British Beef and Lamb.”
He will formally take up his new position in March, which became vacant after fellow beef and lamb farmer Alistair Mackintosh was appointed Red Tractor’s vice chair at the end of last year.
Red Tractor is the UK’s largest food standards scheme, covering animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection. Working with experts in their fields, the programme ensures that families across Britain have access to safe, quality food that has been grown and reared in the UK to rigorous farming standards.
SIR JOHN HAMMOND AWARD - NOMINATIONS CLOSE 28 FEBRUARY
The Sir John Hammond Award is awarded to those that have made significant contribution through research, teaching, knowledge exchange, breeding, farming, industry or affiliated professions. A trophy is put forward by the Smithfield Forum and the award is highly selective with nominated candidates must be of high merit.
Professor Michael Lee presenting the award to 2021 recipient Prof Jude Capper
Sir John Hammond was the first President of the British Society of Animal Science serving from 1944 to 1945, and he founded The British Cattle Breeders Club in 1946. The John Hammond Award was launched in 1968 and is one of the sector's most prestigious awards. In 2021, the award was presented to Professor Jude Capper, ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef & Sheep Production, Harper Adams University. The recipient of the 2022 award will be invited to present at the BCBC conference in 2023.
What is the Prize?
£500
What is the Application Process?
This award is based on nominations, please note that self-nominations will not be considered. A nomination needs to be supported by two members of BSAS or BCBC.
Nomination Deadline
Please complete the nomination form which you can find on the BSAS website and email your completed nomination form to Maggie Mitchell, BSAS Chief Executive by 28th February 2022
SMITHFIELD FORUM UPDATE
We are pleased to attach HERE our latest document which we hope gives a very clear insight into the Smithfield Forum and, most importantly, the vision for its future. Considerable progress has been made over the last three years in defining the role and delivering on our original objectives. The successful event at Church House in November was the culmination of our activities. It also provided a platform to consult with those who attended and further understand their thoughts about our future. Thank you to all those who have participated in that process.
We are very grateful to all those, whose engagement and support has endorsed our vision and transformed it into reality, particularly Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex. However, with all the help and support, both practical and financial, there comes a time for a project to support itself.
The Royal Smithfield Club has invested heavily establishing the Forum but the time has come for our industry to decide the ongoing role for the Forum and how to support the initiative with both finance and resources.
Upon reading the FORUM UPDATE, please forward your views, ideas and reaction to John Dracup, Industry Strategy Director, Royal Smithfield Club T: 07508 577503 E: john@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk. Thank you again for all your help and support and we look forward to your response.
SMITHFIELD SUCCESSES AT LIVESCOT
SMITHFIELD SUCCESSES AT LIVESCOT
M & HD Currie Champion & Reserve Beef Rib
George Whyte takes Saddle of Lamb Championship
With LiveScot back in full swing at Lanark on Saturday 27 November 2021, there was a good entry of 9 ribs and 14 saddles, and with it strong competition for the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb trophies.
Judge John Carlisle of Border Meats, Lockerbie, awarded the Beef Rib championship and with it the Royal Smithfield Club Perpetual Trophy to Matthew & Heather Currie, Skewbridge, Mouswald, Dumfries. This was for a 298kg purebred Aberdeen Angus steer grading R4H. Commenting, the judge said: “My winner had a nice covering of fat, good size eye muscle with a nice amount of marbling right through the meat - a perfect set of ribs.” The Curries also took the Reserve Overall Championship with a May 2020-born Angus heifer with a carcase weight of 361kg and grading R4L. In third place was A Turnbull with a 340kg R4L Limousin-cross.
Champion Ribs from M & HD Currie
George Whyte, Lintibert Farm, Muthill, Crieff won the lightweight lamb class and followed up with the Supreme Championship with his 24.7kg three-quarter Beltex cross. “Tremendous eye muscle, a perfect level of fat that will both keep right and cook right,” was the description given by the judge. Standing Reserve was Andrew Baillie, Carstairs Mains, Lanark with another three-quarter Beltex at 22.5kg.
George Whyte’s Champion Saddle
George Whyte (left) receiving his trophy from judge John Carlisle
Royal Smithfield Club Secretary Richard Saunders (left) presents the Ribs trophy to Matthew Currie
The Club extends its grateful thanks to the following or all their efforts in making the event such a success: to all the exhibitors for putting entries forward, to Julie Wight and the Scottish Fatstock Club Committee, to Royal Smithfield Club Steward Hugh Black of Hugh Black & Sons Butchers and to judge John Carlisle.
Hugh Black & John Carlisle
John Carlisle explaining his reasons
Results
Beef Rib
1. M & HD Currie SUPREME CHAMPION
2. M & HD Currie RESERVE CHAMPION
3. A Turnbull
Light Lamb Saddle (up to 25kg)
1. George Whyte SUPREME CHAMPION
2. Andrew Baillie RESERVE CHAMPION
3. R&M Struthers
Heavy Lamb Saddle (over 25kg)
1. Messrs Purdon
2. Andrew Baillie
3. Messrs Cullen
STRONG SHOWING AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR
STRONG SHOWING RETURN TO 2021 ENGLISH WINTER FAIR
· Shorthorn Team wins Duke of Norfolk Trophy
· EW Coates & Michael Wynne secure Beef Ribs Championship
· M& A Hadfield take Saddle of Lamb Champion & Reserve
· Joseph Morris takes Reserve Rib award
· RABI Single Lamb trophy to Madders & Johnson
· Farmers Fresh auction raises £220 for RABI
After a two-year absence, the English Winter Fair returned in full force on the weekend of 20-21 November 2021 at the Staffordshire County Showground backed by a number of competitions supported by the Royal Smithfield Club.
Shorthorn team winning the Duke of Norfolk pictured with Club Chair Chris Riddle & judge Richard Rettie
In the much-anticipated Duke of Norfolk Trophy, for the best group of three purebred animals, a large crowd on the Sunday witnessed six breeds go head-to-head with the Beef Shorthorns winning and the Limousins in reserve. Judge Richard Rettie praised the winning trio as ‘a well-balanced, very well complemented team.’
Champion Beef Rib EW Coates & Michael Wynne
The Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, with over 20 entries, was presided over by judges Ben Woods & Matt Dodds of Pickstock, Telford.
M&A Hadfield’s Saddle of Lamb winner
The Champion Beef Rib came from EW Coates Butchers and producer Michael Wynne, Hall Farm, Snitterton, Matlock from their June 2020-born Limousin-cross heifer with a carcase weight of 347kg grading -U4L. The judges described their winner as having ‘a good layer of fat cover, nice marbling, good depth of loin, nice fat colour and very well presented.’ The Reserve Beef Ribs was another 340kg Limousin-cross this time from Joseph Morris Butchers, South Kilworth, Leics with a ‘well marbled and nicely fleshed’ entry. Third place went to Perrys of Eccleshall with a 346kg Lim-sired steer out of a Welsh Black dam. The winning entries made £190 & £180 respectively in Bagshaws’ post-show auction.
Judges Ben Woods & Matt Dodds, Livestock Buyers at Pickstock, Telford
The Perpetual Lamb Saddle Trophy was awarded to M & A Hadfield & Sons, Derbys who also took the reserve title with 21kg and 23kg lambs respectively with third place going to Perrys of Eccleshall. The winning entry had ‘a good level of fleshing, well-formed eye muscle and very consistent chops’ according to the judges. The saddle of lamb entries from Farmers Fresh raised an excellent £220 at auction to benefit the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).
L-R Richard Saunders Club Secretary, Ellie Wynne, Nick Coates, Michael Wynne
Chris Riddle with RABI lamb winner Mary Madders
Continuing the theme, the Royal Smithfield RABI Single Butchers Lamb trophy went to Madders & Johnson, Hopton, Staffs with their Beltex-cross entry. Presenting the award to Mary Madders was Chris Riddle, RSC Chairman and Katie Jones, RABI Regional Manager.
Richard Saunders with Matthew Morris of Joseph Morris Butchers
L-R Theo Clarke (MP for Stafford), Richard Lawrence (Deputy President Staffs & Birmingham Agricultural Society), Victoria Prentis (Farming Minister), Richard Saunders (Secretary Royal Smithfield Club)
Duke of Norfolk being judged by Richard Rettie
Reserve Rib from Joseph Morris
M&A Hadfield’s Reserve Lamb
The Royal Smithfield Club extends its grateful thanks to all exhibitors, Stewards John Bradshaw & Anthony Key, and all the team at Staffs County Showground
ROYAL SMITHFIELD AT AGRIFEST SOUTH WEST
ROYAL SMITHFIELD AT AGRIFEST SOUTH WEST 2021
RJ Wright & Son’s Cattle Champion takes home Royal Cornwall Perpetual Trophy
Royal Smithfield trophy for Best Pair of Lambs awarded to Robert West
Agrifest South West organised by the Devon County Agricultural Association and held at Westpoint, Exeter, on Wednesday 3 November 2021 saw the Royal Smithfield Club’s trophies awarded to both sheep and cattle winners.
Agrifest Supreme Cattle Champion ‘Frankie’ from Dickie Wright, Somerton
In the live classes, winning the Primestock Cattle Championship and with it the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association perpetual trophy presented by the Royal Smithfield Club was RJ Wright & Son, Bedlands Gate Farm, Bowers Hill, Somerton, Somerset with the homebred Limousin-cross steer 'Frankie'. Born in June 2020, this bullock is sired by the French-bred Limousin sire, Neymar, and out of a British Blue x Limousin dam and was slapped down by judge Mr D Cheacker, Bristol. Presenting the trophy was Chris Riddle, Secretary of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association & Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club.
Champion Sheep Pairs from Robert West
Taking home the Royal Smithfield Perpetual Challenge Trophy under Judge Robert Garth, Lancaster for the Best Pair of Lambs was the Beltex duo from Robert West, Park Farm, Collyweston. Pictured with Robert are Tom Franks, Clare Edworthy (Mole Avon) and Chris Riddle.
Championship Judging
CLUB COMPETITIONS AT 2021 WINTER FAIRS
CLUB COMPETITIONS AT 2021 WINTER FAIRS
Entries are now open for the various Club competitions being held as part of the forthcoming Winter Primestock circuit – please see the individual event websites or the RSC’s online pages for schedules and entry forms. The Club is grateful for the continued support of Kepak.
Agrifest South West Weds 3 November
Beef Ribs Winners Agrifest South West 2018
Organisers at Devon County are anticipating a great turnout as the show returns to Westpoint and once again plays host to the Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddles of Lamb competitions. Further RSC trophies are presented to the Champion Pair of Lambs and the Primestock Cattle Champion. See www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk. Entries extended until 15th October.
English Winter Fair Sat 20 – Sun 21 November 2021
EWF 2019 Champion Saddle of Lamb
Very much looking forward to the RSC Beef Ribs & Lamb Saddles competitions alongside a repeat of the successful Duke of Norfolk competition held in 2019.. The Staffordshire Showground is also to host the Club’s Annual Meeting of Club Members on Sunday 21st at 2pm. www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk. Entries close 17th November.
Royal Ulster Beef & Lamb Championships Tue 23 November
Being held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn,Northern Ireland.
Royal Ulster Beef & Lamb Championships 2020 Champion Calf
Awards include the Club’s trophy for the Champion Calf. Please see www.beefandlamb.org.uk
LiveScot Sat 27 November
LiveScot 2019 Champion Beef Rib
Lanark Agricultural Centre is home to the Scottish National Fat Stock Club’s LiveScot event on Saturday 27 November. We see a return of the Club’s popular Beef Ribs & Saddles of Lamb competitions. www.fatstockclub.co.uk. Entries close Friday 29th October
AUTUMN 2021 CHAIRMAN'S BRIEFING
Please click HERE for the latest edition of the Briefing from RSC Chairman Chris Riddle which was sent to Members at the end of September.