A Break in the Clouds

At last the weather seems to be turning a corner. This is the second fine day in a row - so it's time to roll out the tractors and make the most of the weather. James is mowing 10 acres to make into big bale silage (we had hoped to make hay of it, but the weather hasn't been kind to us) and Henry is discing the ploughing in Wellbank.

Yesterday should have been Penrith Show, one of the highlights in the Shorthorn calendar. But it was of course cancelled due to the state of the field. But part of it lived on. The North of England Calf Show still went ahead but at Strickley. It does us good to host an event every so often, as it makes us tidy up and clear out a load of junk etc. There were 25 calves and handlers from 2 to 20+, with a mulitude of family and friends. Paul Harrison (scheduled to judge at Penrith) opened the day with a talk and demonstration on handling, stressing the need for both the calf and handler to be turned out well (not like James who was showing how not to do it), the importance of the right halter (we're off to buy a new one), and of course watching the judge.

The handlers were then put through their paces in three age groups, followed by the Overall Championship. We barely had time to draw breath before it was time for the calves to be judged (again in 3 classes dependant on the age of the calf)

Champion Handler - Shaun Dixon

Champion Calf - Cactus - G A & D W Dent
Reserve - Goldie 181 - W H & K M Robinson

Hon. Mention - Goldie 176 - W H & K M Robinson