Winners at this year’s Dairy Stockjudging competition credited their success to the inspiration and support from their families.
The competition, which is sponsored by Kerbl/Rutland Electric Fencing, was held on the final day of the Great Yorkshire Show.
Thomas from Yorkshire, a joint winner with Emily from Cumbria in the 16 and under category, expressed his pride in being the next generation of his family to win the competition.
“I like this competition as it’s following in the footsteps of my mum and my grandad who both won this competition when they were in YFC,” said Thomas who also previously won the online version of the competition in 2020 that was held during the pandemic.
“I prepared through my mum, my grandad and my aunt teaching me and through taking part in numerous competitions in the Holstein Young Breeders Club,” said Thomas who agreed with the judges’ placing on one of the classes.
“I have gained a lot of confidence through the competition – and a lot of public speaking skills. I’m happy to have won. I’m coming to the end of my junior competing and moving up to the intermediates, so it is quite an achievement.”
Nia Thomas from Carmarthenshire, the winner of the intermediate category (21 & under), attributed her success to sibling rivalry.
“I have a brother and we like competing against each other. We have taught ourselves [stockjudging] and try and beat each other in local competitions,” said Nia who is from a dairy farming background.
With previous experience of competing at the Great Yorkshire Show, Nia is a fan of the competition.
“Stockjudging is a great competition. It provides many lifetime skills, such as public speaking and picking the right stock. I am very proud to share the same passion as my father and grandfather who have both won national dairy stockjudging titles on numerous occasions. Along with my brother, I am now the third generation to win the national Dairy Stockjudging competition.
“You’re lucky in Yorkshire that farmers are willing to bring their stock out and they brought tremendous stock. It was a great opportunity to meet like-minded people,” added Nia. "YFC is a great platform to gain valuable experience, life skills and success. I encourage all members to take the full opportunity of what YFC has to offer."
It was a repeat performance for the winner of the under 28 category as Chloe Watkins from Herefordshire also won the trophy in 2023.
Working in the dairy genetics industry and being married to a dairy farmer weren’t the only advantages that helped her win the competition. Hard work and a dedicated brother were part of the winning formula.
“I’m fortunate to spend a lot of time with the cows – having a lot of cows at home as well, you just see them every day. I spent a lot of time learning stockjudging with a local dairy farmer who taught me a lot. My brother has helped me a lot with my reasons. I definitely wouldn’t be able to do the style of reasons that I can without their help,” said Chloe who has competed at the national final nine times.
“I have been stockjudging for 17 years, so since I started in YFC at age 10. It’s a great way to gain confidence and public speaking skills really come into it as well when you’re doing your reasons. It’s a competition I really enjoy taking part in. I was over the moon to win.”
Carmarthenshire won the overall team trophy and the three members each won a Rutland Electric Fencing Dual Powered Energiser.
Jack Davies from Carmarthenshire said: “It feels great to win, especially when you’re not expecting it – and to do it with these two guys on the team as well is a brilliant feeling.”
Hugh Burnham, National Sales Manager for Rutland Electric Fencing, was at the show to present the winners with their awards.
“We very proudly sponsor NFYFC’s Dairy Stockjudging competition. We truly believe that the next generation of farmers are a major part of all businesses in the agricultural sector and we need to look after them, sponsor and nurture their future,” said Hugh.
“It’s a huge competition and such a big asset to YFC if members are willing to travel from the north, south, east and west of the UK. It’s a huge achievement.”
