By Meyrick brown

THE annual show of dairy and beef youngstock for South Wales held at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen attracted considerable attention from pedigree breeders and young handlers.

In addition to the usual sections for the Holstein, Brown Swiss and other dairy breeds classes for the beef cattle breeds were introduced this year and appear likely to be expanded in 2017.

President Huw Evans explained that in a show of this kind presentation was all-important for the handlers.

“During showmanship, they’ll face one of two directions: forwards or backwards. Exhibitors should not side step or cross one foot over the other while facing the centre of the ring," he said.

“Showmen should walk facing forward until the last animal in the class has entered the ring. At that point, all showmen should turn around and begin walking backwards -this should be the point when you truly begin showing and the judge starts doing close inspections.”

Of the animals he suggested: “One of the first items showmanship judges will evaluate is the animal’s cleanliness and grooming. Head carriage, or the positioning of the heifer’s head, also factor into appearance. Showmanship is about doing a lot of little things correctly. Judges notice the small things, and these little details will separate out the top showmen".

The Holstein calf classes dominated the show with well over 40 entries and, not surprisingly, the overall winner was the nine month old heifer Tregibby Solomon Lustre from Hefin Wilson with reserve going to James Evans’s 20 month old Jersey, Mydrim Tequilas Autumn Louise.

Officials: President, Huw Evans, Chairman and Treasurer, Alun Davies, Secretary, Sian Williams, Judges, Wyn Jones, Rhys Griffiths, Charles George and Meurig James.

CALF WINNERS:

Holstein, Tregibby Solomon Lustre, res, (Hefin Wilson), res, Starlet Foxy Roxy Red (Kevin Rickard).

Friesian, Crugside Thunder Digitails, res, Crugside Consil Creda (both from Alun Rees).

Jersey, Mydrim Tequilas Autumn Louise (James D Evans), res, Salfach Joel Poppet (Rhys and Ffiona Jones).

Dairy Shorthorn, Crugside Solo Pauline (Alun Rees), res, Elkington Dewdrop 27 (Mark and Eluned Davies).

Brown Swiss, Elite Faust Doll, res, Elite Blooming Liz (both from Mark and Sian Williams).

Hereford, Robert Morgan.

Beef Shorthorn, Mark and Eluned Davies.

British Blue, Evan Phillips.

Limousin and Lincoln Red, R D Whittle.

Commercial, Gwion Jones Howell

YOUNG HANDLERS:

There were 30 entries in the young handler sections with the respective winners being: Holstein, Ifan Wilson, reserve, Jessica Hall, Friesian, Alun Rees, Jersey, Awen Jones, res. Rosie Davies, Dairy Shorthorn, Carys Rees, Brown Swiss, Elliot Davies, Novice, Rhys Davies.