British Simmental Review 2018

YOUNG MEMBERS
We were fortunate to be part of the annual Charity
BBQ event that is held at Dungannon. This year’s event
included a raffle that had been held throughout the past
show season, in memory of Thelma Gorman. A large
sum of money was raised for the Air Ambulance. It was a
fantastic event to be part of; well done to all those behind
organising and promoting it.
Saturday morning arrived, and with it the main event.
The young members congregated after breakfast, armed
with white coats, ties, pens and note paper. We travelled
to the Hiltonstown herd, and were hosted by the Rodgers
family for the stock judging. Some tremendous cattle were
waiting to be judged, and there was, as always with stock
judging competitions, easier classes and more difficult
classes, causing debate amongst the competitors young
and ‘old’!
After judging, a classification demonstration was
held. This was very educational, and allowed the young
members to gain insight into the criteria to look for when
choosing breeding females.
Richard chatted amongst the young members as they
looked around the rest of his herd; they discussed what
he looks for when selecting new bloodlines into the herd,
the pros and cons of using AI and selecting a stock bull.
As a group they chatted about what they’d like to see and
achieve in the future.
Over the course of the two farm visits, the young
members were given the opportunity to take away
knowledge gained from years of experience in breeding
and selling cattle, and an understanding of new tools to
use in the form of classification, all gained in a very relaxed
and welcoming atmosphere.
Moving away from cattle for a couple of hours, we took
the YM to laser tag to have fun, build friendships and let
that competitive side of them out! Judging by the sight of
them upon their return to the mess house, they definitely
had fun. Some were more competitive than others with
innovative ways to ‘win’ (not naming names Chris); they
had definitely worn themselves out and worked up an
appetite for the presentation dinner that evening.
Those that weren’t staying at the hotel all travelled to
the presentation dinner, giving us the opportunity to thank
the people who had made the trip possible, enjoy good
company and, of course, find out who had won this year’s
stock judging event. The full list of prize winners is shown
overleaf.
Harry Houldey & Heather Duff presenting Richard Rodgers and his wife with
a quaich in appreciation for hosting the stockjudging event
I have thoroughly enjoyed accompanying the young
members on their trips; year on year there is an obvious
increase in their knowledge base, friendships flourish, new
friendships are made and there’s always lots of laughter
along the way.
150 www.britishsimmental.co.uk