So far, so good . . .

At last a hot and sunny day (up to 31 degrees according to our weather station). James and the cows spent the night in the new enormous cattle tent at Westmorland Show. I don't think it was a particularly restful night, but by the time Henry and I arrived at 8.30 this morning they were all looking their best and ready to do us proud. The showground has been rearranged this year, with more space for the cows (and us) than we've ever had, and by moving the cattle classes to the main ring, the public have a chance to see what an agricultural show is really about. The stewards were determined to keep to the timetable and kept the classes moving with no gaps in between. The judge Gwndaf James from Ceredigion had some strong classes to judge and seemed to like the Strickley stock. Once again the sideboard has filled up with silverware.

Strickley Starlet 90th
Champion Shorthorn

Strickley Athena 3rd
Reserve Champion

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Full results for the Strickley Herd

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Maiden Heifer under 18mths

1st Strickley Goldie 196th

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Heifer in Calf

1st Strickley Starlet 94th

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Cow in Calf

2nd Strickley Annabella 117th

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Heifer in Milk

1st Strickley Athena 3rd

4th Strickley Goldie 181st

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Cow in Milk

1st Strickley Starlet 90th

4th Strickley Pansy

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Best Group of Three

The John Handley Memorial Trophy

3 Strickley heifer/cows

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The Aspden Perpetual Challenge Cup

Strickley Starlet 90th

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Best Exhibitor Bred

& Best Udder

Strickley Starlet 90th

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But now it's back to Strickley and the next bit of of our packed schedule. The cows are unloaded and being milked. Some of the show stuff has been unloaded and the trailers are temporarily abandoned in the yard, because at 5pm as promised the contractor came to cut the oats. He hopes to get 12 acres before dark - one of the fields is along the main road so it's better done in daylight. Tomorrow we start mowing for clamp silage and fit in the Herd Competition. One day at a time, bit it's going to plan so far.