North and west Wales livestock experts at Beef Expo

Casting an eye over this year’s line-up for the National Commercial Cattle Show is Welsh duo Bryn Lloyd who will judge the Native and Continental classes, as well as the Supreme Championship, and Dafydd Lewis who will judge the Baby Beef classes, Baby Championship and Young Handlers.

Anticipated to draw in crowds of around 5,000 people at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart on Saturday, May 28, this flagship industry event celebrates everything about the British beef industry.

Dafydd Lewis farms near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, where he runs 1200 breeding ewes and 35 suckler cows over 400 with the aim of breeding cattle for the showing circuit as a main priority.

He sells his calves with showing potential annually through Ruthin Farmers Auction Mart and Brecon Auction Mart.

A recognisable face in the showring, Dafydd’s showing highlights include winning at the Welsh Winter Fair, Borderway Agri Expo, and the Scottish Winter Fair.

From the other side of the ring, Dafydd has judged across the UK.

Commenting on judging at this year’s Beef Expo, he said: “I was shocked but very honoured to be invited to judge at NBA Beef Expo. I will be looking for a classy, correct animal, with a great top and width on the plates. I will also be looking for very correct legs.”

Pedigree Limousin breeder, Bryn Lloyd, runs the Garthiaen herd in Llandrillo, Corwen, alongside his brother, Huw.

Together they run a herd of 50 suckler cows, a few crossbred stores and a flock of 1,500 Texel cross ewes. Previously they fattened in the region of 250 purchased store cattle. Today the focus is on breeding top quality pedigree animals.

No stranger to the show ring, Bryn has a wealth of experience in both showing and judging. The Garthiaen herd took the Commercial Beef title at the Royal Welsh Show in 1995 and again in 2016. As a judge, Bryn is a familiar face on the circuit having judged cattle all over the country, one of his favourites being the Welsh Winter Fair.

On being invited to judge at this year’s NBA Beef Expo, Bryn commented: “It is a great honour for me to be asked to judge at Beef Expo. I am looking forward to seeing such a good line up of cattle as always. I will be looking for a showy animal with correct conformation; something with the X-factor that stands out from the rest. I would like a good top too.”

National Beef Association chief executive, Neil Shand, said: “We are delighted to be returning for NBA Beef Expo 2022. Last year’s cancellation was very disappointing, but it’s fantastic to be back and we are looking forward to opening the doors at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart and welcoming everyone to what is undoubtedly the foremost beef industry event in the UK.

“We are delighted to welcome our judges Bryn and Dafydd, to cast their eye over the phenomenal cattle we expect to see in the show ring. They are experienced judges, who each have a lifetime of knowledge and experience in the industry. It will not be an easy task, but I know both Bryn and Dafydd will do a fantastic job.”

As well as livestock classes, NBA Beef Expo is a true celebration of the British Beef industry, with a packed programme including seminars and demonstrations.

Beef Expo is also a fantastic networking event, and offers visitors a huge variety of trade exhibitions and Breed Society stands, all sharing the latest industry research, knowledge, technology, and developments.

The National Commercial Cattle Show features 10 cattle classes for steers and heifers and will see in the region of 120 head of cattle compete, to take home the Supreme Champion title.

This year’s event includes a new class, which is for heifers by any other Continental or cross-bred sire. Also running is the ever-popular Young Handlers class for 14 to 21-year-olds, which champions the future of the industry by encouraging, inspiring, and supporting the next generation.

Trade and Breed Society stand applications are now open and can be completed online at bit.ly/tradestandbookings