Once again crowds of farmers from all over the North of England flocked to Penrith and District Farmers Mart on Thursday 15th November to support the annual stock judging competition. The event organised by the mart in conjunction with The Farmer Network continues to be a highlight in the farming calendar.
The master judges for the evening were Peter Capstick, Will Case, Hannah Dickinson and Steven Dixon who undertook the difficult task of placing the four sheep in each category and giving their reasons for doing so. An excellent show of sheep were provided by J Ackerley, Milton Mains (Mule), Messrs Willoughby, Woodend Farm (Leicester), AD & T Harrison, Brotherilkeld (Herdwick), G Pyman, Park View (Texel), L Hutchinson, Howgill Foot (Suffolk), G Carrick, Hole House Farm (Swaledale) and W.J Dawson, Mill Cottage (Rough Fell).
The Allan Family from Beck House, Killington stole the show with Neil and Linda, taking top honours in the open male and female categories and daughter Ruby taking 2nd in the under 16’s.
FULL RESULTS
Open Male
1st Neil Allan, Beck House, Killington, 2nd Will Porter, Riddings Farm, Reeth, 3rd James Rebanks, Racy Ghyll Farm, Penruddock, 4th David Hodgson, Green Farm, Shap
Open Female
1st Linda Allan, Beck House, Killington, 2nd Rachel Bland, Cotegill, Tebay, 3rd Jean Wilson, Ann’s Cottage, Dockray, 4th Mrs M Clarke, 109 Sedbergh Road, Kendal
Under 16
1st Adam Brown, Asby Mews, Asby, 2nd Ruby Allan, Beck House, Killington, 3rd Sarah Bland, Cotegill, Tebay, 4th Robert Harrison, Tailbert, Shap
The crowd were entertained with sing along favourites by “Only Smith and Day”, while the team behind the scenes marked the cards.
David Crowden, Executive Chairman at Penrith & District Farmers Mart LLP said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people taking part. They are the future of our industry and it is uplifting to see their keenness as we approach challenges and changes over the coming years. I would like to thank everyone that attended and supported the event and helped raise over £2,200 for Carlisle and North Lakeland Hospice.”