Growing up, Carys Owen regularly helped on her uncle’s farm. She enjoyed working with stock and loved being outdoors.
Her interest in animals led her to a career as a farm vet.
“I just enjoy working with livestock – If I wasn’t a vet, I’d probably be farming,” said Carys, 27 from Pembrokeshire who has a small flock of Suffolk sheep that she keeps on her fiancé’s farm.
Carys, who lives in rural Pembrokeshire, joined Fishguard YFC after friends from school were joining up and the stockjudging competitions immediately caught her attention.
“I like judging the animals and the challenge of backing yourself and explaining yourself to the judges. I don’t like talking in front of too many people and I need my note cards in front of me when presenting to the judge.”
Despite Carys’ public speaking fears, she admits the competition has improved her confidence and stock knowledge.
Stockjudge of the Year is considered one of the hardest stockjudging competitions.
Competitors must first complete a stock management task in advance, before taking on veterinary tasks and judging six rings of beef cattle, pigs, dairy cattle, and breeding ewes on the competition day.
This was the first year Carys had made it past the county round of the competition.
“It was challenging judging six animals rather than four. We have only ever done rings of four at county and Wales level so stepping up to six animals is quite a jump,” said Carys. “Only having one card to write your reasons on was quite a challenge too.”
Despite the difficulties, Carys went on to win the stock management project and the overall Stockjudge of the Year trophy.
“It was a complete shock when they called out my name. I was absolutely over the moon,” she said.
The news was an even bigger shock as Carys managed to beat her fiancé Ifan Morgan, who is a beef and sheep farmer. Ifan from Ceredigion came second in the competition to Carys.
“I beat the farmer,” laughed Carys. “He was the one that taught me, and I think he taught me a bit too well. He’s kicking himself now. He won’t live this one down for a while!”
The pair practised for the competition together, using animals on Ifan’s farm and learning more about dairy cattle at a farm owned by Carys’ boss.
She believes the Stockjudge of the Year competition is hugely important for farmers – even though she isn’t one herself.
“It’s a unique competition for farmers as it really helps give you a good eye for stock and to hear someone else’s opinion on what good stock looks like,” said Carys.
“I think it gives you a good appreciation of livestock that we rear in the UK. You learn something new and it might make some people want to keep different animals after taking part.”
