After years of competing in the live and carcase stockjudging competition, James Driffield from Yorkshire won a hat trick of awards at the national final in November.
James, 24, Club Chair of Farnley Estate YFC, works on an arable, beef and sheep farm and said live and carcase stockjudging is his favourite YFC competition.
After years of competing, James was delighted to win the prestigious John Spear Overall Team Trophy. He also earned an individual award in the under-28 category for pig live and carcase and, alongside Daisy Roberts from his club, secured the team trophy for pig live and carcase judging.
“I enjoy stockjudging – I’ll judge anything! It’s the best competition there is,” said James. “I felt very proud and pleased to win. I’ve been coming down to the English Winter Fair for the last four years. I’ve never had that first place and to get three wins – first in the pairs, on my own and a first for the team – it all just came at once. I couldn’t have been more pleased to be honest.”
James admitted that he prefers judging lambs over beef, despite the fact he works with 600 fattening cattle.
“My family farm has only ever had lambs so I prefer judging them the most,” said James. “I see pigs as lambs without wool as they are similar to judge, especially on the carcase side. It hangs up the same size and you’re looking for as much as you are on the lamb.”
Thanks to YFC Public Speaking competitions and the reason giving side of the stockjudging competitions, James’ confidence has grown.
“I’ve always enjoyed talking but YFC has definitely helped me,” said James. “Being Chair now, I’m an advocate for the stockjudging competitions and especially public speaking competitions. The more you do of it, life just becomes easier because you can talk to anyone. If I go to livestock auctions in my job, I can talk to anyone because of YFC.”
NFYFC’s national final took place on the Machin family farm (Manifold Valley Meats) in Staffordshire this year due to the cancellation of the English Winter Fair because of concerns about the Bluetongue virus. It was a rapid turnaround to relocate the competition and organisers were grateful to the Machin family for stepping in to host this year’s competition.
The competition was sponsored by Kerbl/Rutland and supported by Bagshaws Agriculture and Waterhouses YFC in Staffordshire kindly provided food during the day. Members of the winning team also each received Kerbl/Rutland energisers.
Competitions Chair William Longmire said:
“We know everyone was disappointed that we could not hold this prestigious competition at the English Winter Fair this year, but the committee pulled out all the stops to make the final happen! Thank you to the Machin family and Bagshaws Agriculture for supporting YFC and to Kerbl/Rutland Electric Fencing for sponsoring the competition.
Well done to all our competitors – the day was a brilliant showcase of YFC talent.”
