Arguably one of the finest primestock shows in Europe, one that plays an important role in showcasing all the hard work that farmers do all year round, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy two-days packed full of competitions and festivities.
Livestock entries were up across all the sections and the show rings buzzed with excited spectators, as the stockmen and women battled it out for the ‘Y Ddraig Goch’ themed rosettes, before the prize-winners went under the hammer in the exhibition rings on Tuesday.
Stuart Clatworthy, East Huntspill, Somerset, judged the continental breeds and the butchers’ weights section. He farms approximately 450 acres, that carries 300 cattle; 70 mixed breed suckler cows and followers plus additional store and finishing cattle as required. He also runs 900 breeding ewes which lamb between February and May and owns a traditional family butchers’ shop in Puriton, trading as Court Farm Butchers Ltd.
The Blue Texel classes boasted the largest number of entries in the pure continental breed section and it was Lauren Davies from the Honddu flock, Brecon, who was triumphant. Lauren was sitting exams at the time, so the Lapis Hercules sired pair of lambs, one of which was bred from a Dovery dam bought at Worcester, were brought out by Lauren’s father Geraint Davies and friend Ben Amphlett. Standing second in the class was a duo from Enfys Williams, just ahead of Hywel Williams’ pair and close behind in fourth was Nina Smith followed by Shauna Evans and Jack Bodily.
Commenting on the winning pair, judge Stuart Clatworthy said, “This was an exceptional pair of lambs brought out to perfection, they exhibited great shape, stood square and were well balanced!”. The lambs sold on Tuesday for £200 each.
Meanwhile, in the cross bred section (Continental ram on a Welsh Hill ewe), Jill Evans took first place with a pair of Blue Texel x Torwen Welsh Badger Face ewes.
