This year’s Senior Stockjudge of the Year title has gone to a YFC member who proved farming experience isn’t essential – beating her fiancé, a farmer, to claim the top spot.
Carys Owen from Pembrokeshire couldn’t believe it when she was announced as the overall winner at the final that was hosted at Harper Adams University in September.
“It was a complete shock when they called out my name. I was absolutely over the moon,” said farm vet Carys who has never lived or worked on a farm but is due to marry farmer Ifan Morgan from Ceredigion who came joint second with Emily Wilson from Yorkshire in the competition that’s sponsored by Kerbl/Rutland Electric Fencing.
“I beat the farmer,” laughed Carys who also came first for the stock management project she submitted in advance of the competition. “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!”
It was Carys’ first time competing at a national level, never making it past her county round in previous years. The pair had been training with Ifan’s sheep and had both also practised at a dairy farm owned by Carys’ boss.
“It was challenging judging six animals rather than four,” said Carys about the expectations at the national final. “We have only ever judged four at County and Wales level so stepping up to six animals is quite a jump. And you only have one card to write your reasons on.”
While Carys prefers judging the animals, she does enjoy the challenge of giving reasons to the judges.
“I like backing myself and explaining my reasons. It’s always nice when the judges give their feedback and their reasons, I find that part interesting and where you learn.”
For Young Stockjudge of the Year winner Jessica from Leicestershire and Rutland, the competition has built on a range of skills for the young farmer.
“I’ve learnt more about livestock veterinary and medicine, and it’s been good to learn about the meat too. The competition has given me confidence in judging, speaking and knowledge about the different livestock.”
Jessica, who has grown up on a farm, used all the resources at her disposal to practise for the competition.
“I attended my local market and practised on lots of stock. It’s great as it also allows me to speak to the buyers and sellers so I can seek tips and advice on what they look for in the stock,” said Jessica.
“My local club and county have been really helpful too, with providing training and support.”
Jessica also read the YFC stockjudging booklets, that were supported by AHDB, and studied the livestock on her farm as well as visiting her local abattoir.
“Listening to the judges’ feedback has been a huge help, especially at the earlier rounds, as it prepared me for the finals,” added Jessica.
Both winners believe the competition builds confidence and a good general awareness about livestock.
“It has helped my confidence speaking in front of people and helped me be confident in my decision,” said Carys. “I will be able to use the stock skills in my job too.”
Jessica agreed the competition was important for developing skills – as well as being enjoyable.
“It provides an opportunity for members to develop their interest in livestock, learn from different judges, grows members’ confidence and is good fun to do.”
Other winners in the competition included Sally Kitchner from Bedfordshire who won the Vet Tasks section of the senior category, and Erin from Lancashire who won both the Meat Identification and Vet Questionnaire awards in the Young Stockjudge of the Year category.
