The Royal Welsh Show 2023 showcased the hardworking profitable Salers in all their glory and the results focussed on the easy calving females that outstrip any breed in maternal capability.

The modest entries reflected the breeds biggest attribute, low maintenance, favoured by those who are busy and need a breed that requires very little intervention.

However, that did not detract from the quality put forward to Mr Glen Welsh of Garpel Farms. Glen no stranger to the show ring, both as a judge and at the end of the halter, runs 1500 Blackface ewes and 70 predominantly Salers cross Galloway cows over the farm which extends to over 6,500 acres of mostly hill ground.

Despite the rains and dark clouds, dawn broke for Gwawr Griffiths from Anglesey when Glen tapped out her cow, Felin Mona Mai, born in April 2017 by Illiami and out of Felin Elisha.M, as female champion, and then overall champion. She was shown with a calf at foot and was bred by SG & HG Pritchard, Llangybi.

Standing reserve overall champion and reserve female champion was also a heifer from Gwawr Griffiths, a Jalabert daughter out of Preenbank Lady Priscilla, Preenbank Rosella born in March 2021 and bred by Fred & Bryn Robinson. Gwawr picked her out at a society sale earlier in the year at Welshpool, May 2023.

Standing third was Bertie Facon’s, Murphy sired heifer out of imported cow Oleron, Gentons Rosette was born in January-2021. Fourth place went to another heifer, Gwawr Griffiths diligently selected for her Parys herd in Welshpool, May 2023, this time it was Luchabolsch Guatemala, a Seawell Magic daughter out of Oaklands Jaz born in March 2021, bred by Simon Hill.

The junior female champion and overall junior champion was the 5th prize homebred heifer again from Gwawr, Parys Sweetie Pie, out of the overall champion on the day, Felin Mona Mai by Preenbank Lord Bisto and born in June 2022.

CLASS RESULTS

Female champion, overall champion and best turned out - Felin Mona Mai, Gwawr Griffiths; 2nd, reserve female champion and reserve overall champion - Preenbank Rosella, Gwawr Griffiths

Breed Champion - Campsmount Trophy: Felin Mona Mai, Gwawr Griffiths

Best Senior Heifer - Carrick View Cup: Preenbank Rosabella, Gwawr Griffiths

Best Turned Out Animal: Felin Mona Mai, Gwawr Griffiths

Stockmans Cup: Jake Pamplin – Gentons Pedigree Livestock