Students excel at national stockjudging competition

Posted 20 November 2013

Press Release by SU Press Officer, Gracey Munro Henworth

Past and present Harper Adams University students excelled at a national stock judging competition held at Staffordshire County Showground, recently.

Two current students and an alumnus were part of the Staffordshire Young Farmers team that won four out of the top five trophies at the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) live and carcase stock judging competition.

24 YFC teams from across England and Wales entered the event, which was organised as part of the English Winter Fair, on November 16-17. The Staffordshire team consisted of final year students Katie James and Harriet Wilson, and former student Peter James. They were joined by fellow Staffordshire YFC member, Matthew Wright.

The team won the Overall Intermediate Team Cup, the Smithfield Cup, the Overall Senior Team Cup and the Jon Spear Cup. The John Spear Cup is awarded to the team with the overall highest mark – a first time achievement for the Staffordshire club. 

BSc (Hons) Agri-food Marketing with Business Studies student, Harriet from Haughton, also picked up four individual awards including first place in the Intermediate Beef and Live Carcase. The 22-year-old, said: “It’s my final year competing at an intermediate level so it’s a fantastic achievement to win.

“Stock judging competitions are extremely important for young farmers who want to work with stock. They also offer an insight for young people who would never otherwise get the opportunity to work with cattle.

“Taking part in these competitions has really inspired me to seek a future career in the meat industry.”

With more than 300 cattle entered into the competition, and a record entry of 150 pens of sheep, many Harper Adams students could be seen showing their support.

22-year-old BSc (Hons) Agriculture student, Drew Patrick from Haverfordwest, also found success at the event, helping Robin Slade of Herefordshire to secure the Reserve Sheep Champion with a pair of Beltex lambs.