Friday

Hi all What a great first day at The Three Counties Show but wasn't the weather strange. It could not make it's mind up but every one was in a good mood and even though there were some sharp showers, they enjoyed their day. There was great show of cattle, sheep and pigs also some lovely goats. As usual the Hereford cattle drew in a big crowd of exhibitors mainly from the Three Counties as it is our local breed of cattle. Mr R N Borwick had very hard decision when choosing class winners as there where about 100 cattle entered. The Herefords had 28 different winning cattle in the grand parade. The grand parade consisted of about 221 different animals ranging from a small Beltex sheep to a big Charolais Bull.  As usual Clive Roads and his team of Commentators gave a fantastic description of all breeds and they always keep us all up to date with all the information we need to know. Today there where 15 cattle breeds with 16 judges having to make some very difficult decisions. Mr A Owen, Mr T Jackson and Mr M Smell had a hard decision as they judged the Young Handlers in the sheep, beef and pig sections. It is very important to encourage the young stock people and all of them were given a rosette and a food voucher for use at the show. My Clun Forest section went well and I an pleased to announce that  Mr Smith's sheep was the breed champion. There were 19 different breeds to judge and 20 different judges making the decisions. All the sheep shown were in there best coats and all looking very smart. The Terminal Sire Progeny Group went to a Charollais pair with a pair of Blue Texels reserve. There was a great show of Texels with at least 10 in each class with some having more than 20. The Suffolks where another show puller with Chris Holmes from Rockery Farm winning for the second time. Last year, he sent the Suffolk champion to Shrewsbury Pedigree Suffolk Sale and took the top price. In the pig section it was a big day as an exhibitor who has shown his pigs at the show for 60 years was presented with an award. Well done!! I would also like to say well done to all the stewards and judges and a big thank you to the livestock officers who keep the show going and they work all round the clock to get the show ready to go. Everyone is looking for forward to the weekend classes. More stock will be arriving for the Rare Breed Day on Sunday. If you have any comments about the show send an email to me on hanleysuffolks@gmail.com. I will have a full livestock report available soon. Jack