Cross-bred steer takes show honours

TOP honours in the cattle judging at the 34th Exeter and District Christmas show held at Exeter Livestock market went to a Limousin cross British Blue steer named Clean Bandit which realised 300p/kg (652 kilos, £1,956), exhibited by Lewis Cook from Higher Yeo Farm, Ivybridge.

Judge was Rodney Cleave who placed the steer, born on April 19, 2014, ahead of a Limousin cross heifer exhibited by Jess Maynard of Caseberry Farm, Bradninch, Exeter.

Jess Maynard's heifer, Kieza, made to 310p/kg (698 kilos kilos, £2,163.80) and was born on January 3, 2014.

The winning heifer was later sold to Darts Farm Master Butchers, Topsham.

There was a very good entry in all classes and in the sheep section the championship went to Paul and Lin Calcraft of Upton Ley Farm,

Payhembury, Honiton, with a pair of Texel lambs that made £200 per head or 417p/kg.

The reserve championship went to brothers, Harry (6) and Archie Stamp (9), of Bowbridge Farm, Southwick Road, Mark, Highbridge, Somerset, with a pair of lambs sired by a Beltex ram that saw £145 per head or 333p/kg.  The brothers also took the Beltex championship and sheep judge was Mr Ed Davies.

Trophies were presented by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Mrs Olwen Foggin.

She spoke of the excellent display of cattle and sheep, thanked the show's president Andrew Down, John Quick, the show's chairman and Katie Rice, the secretary and all the committee for the work they put into the show.

She said the stock was "a fine example of the stockmanship maintained by South West farms" adding, "without the dedicated work of the exhibitors in the hours they spend preparing these animals, there would be no show".

Mrs Foggin added: "The year 2015 has been one of change and progress at Exeter Livestock Centre with Exeter City Council investing in a new roof and photovoltaic panels to provide renewable energy to the Centre and with Kivells, auctioneers, continuingly providing a sound foundation by progressing with new livestock sales and services to both buyers and sellers throughout Devon and Cornwall."

She concluded by saying that Exeter City Council "has a very strong commitment to the Centre and to the future of agriculture in the South West".

Photos: Alan Quick.