2022 AGM, Judging Day and Herd Visit

The AGM and judging day kindly hosted by the Moscrop family was a busy yet rewarding 2 days. Day 1 was the young members day where Grace and I were mentoring fourteen enthusiastic young members, working with them to improve aspects of showmanship, clipping and judging as well as general tips for halter training. As I said in my welcome speech, the main aim of the day was for everyone to join in, learn a little but most importantly have fun. Showmanship was first on the agenda so several mock showmanship classes were set up and a few pointers given as the class developed. Everyone had a go, asked lots of questions and hopefully learned a little ready for their next show. Clipping was next and as I admitted on the day I am far from an expert in this field but we all worked together and again participation was excellent. Thomas had spent some of his valuable time training a pen of calves ready for this and they behaved impeccably. Once the clipping was over we did an impromptu judging practice. It was the adults turn to lead the calves while myself and a team of the youngest members of the group worked out the placings. It was great so see the confidence these young members had and after some deliberation they worked out their final lineup and reasons why. It was also great to see them pointing out to the adult leaders things they had learned in the showmanship class and putting them right on foot placement!! It may be me getting soft in my old age but I left on the Saturday with a feeling of warmth that I was now in a position to help the future of our breed develop their skills in the same way people had for me many moons ago when I was new to everything. I was delighted at the enthusiasm and drive in the young members team and gave me heart that our great breed is in good hands for the future.

The Sunday saw us back for the AGM and Judging school. First on the Agenda was the AGM which whilst being the formal part of the day enlightens the breeders on the progress the Society is making and this time saw Denis Craig step down after completing his two years as President. Denis has certainly had an unusual time as President spending his first year in front of a computer in zoom meetings but we thank him for his service. Accepting the Presidential honour is David Winnington, Rantonall Herd, we wish David the best of luck.

After the formalities had been dealt with and Arthur Whittle had given us the run down of the years end I had the task of master judging for the day which I always enjoy. Again credit to the Moscrop family for turning out 6 great cattle for the judging class. I lead off with a real handy winner. Great balance and dairy strength to this cow topped off with a tremendous udder in full bloom. Such height and width in the rear udder. A real show stopper. It was the power and strength through the front end of my winning cow that gave her the advantage over a very similar roan cow in second place. Again a cow with a fantastic udder in full bloom. It was the correctness and bloom in the udder that gave her the advantage over a real tall powerful young cow in third. Third over fourth was a close placing as I really admired the cow in fourth as she had had two extra calves than the rest of the class. She showed great breed character and wearability and it was this extra maturity and capacity that gave her the advantage over a sweet immature junior cow in fifth place. There was a lot to like in this cow she had great balance and bone quality and would like to see how she develops after another calf. Fifth over sixth giving the advantage on balance and body capacity over a real modern junior cow in sixth.

Grace with the assistance of Wendy and Rachael worked out the scores while reasons were given over the microphone. There were some seriously good reasons given from those who took part but I do feel we should all be setting an example to the young members by giving reasons and it is good practice for us all for so we are on top form when asked to judge a show.

After the judging was completed we grabbed lunch and a delicious ice cream graciously supplied by the Moscrop family before we ventured for a look around the herd. Thomas and his family have lived and worked at Ryeclose farm since the 1950s and the business has continued to grow and adapt since Thomas has taken over. The business now milks 500 cows; 350 British Fresian and 150 Dairy Shorthorns, with about 900 head of beef cattle that are either finished or sold as stores. The cattle here are hardy functional cows, that are expected to graze on the 465 hectares grass based system. Herd average sits around 7,600kgs with 4.3%BF and 3.4%P. The cows in the field looked content and you can tell that the Shorthorns certainly fit well into the system. Thomas, Stephen and Mark are breeding a robust cow that needs to graze, good legs and feet are paramount to walk the one mile track network around the farm as well as good fertility and longevity. Families that stood out here are the Vi’s and Talula’s which have been prolific breeders for the family. Finally I would like to once again thank the Moscrop family for their unrivalled hospitality and providing a great venue and quality cattle for us to work with and to Grace for being the organized one and keeping me right for the weekend.

Shaun Dixon