Application forms can easily be downloaded from the website (top right of the YDP page) and must be sent back to the Society office by the 31^st March.

For more information on the workshop dates, venues or the programme itself, contact YDP co-ordinator Gayle Bersey on 07792 777889 or email gayle@bersey.fslife.co.uk.

17^th April – South East England workshop at Rosemead herd (Angus Stovold, Surrey).

23^rd May – Central England at Nightingale herd (Willie and Angela Robertson, Worcestershire).

4^th July – South Scotland at Rawburn herd (John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains).

1^st August – Central Scotland at Netherton herd (Messrs W and D McLaren, Perthshire).

8^th August – North of England at Tree Bridge herd (David Evans, Cleveland).

14^th August – South West England at Rull herd (Ed and Clare Jones, Devon).

Dates for the South of Ireland, Central Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as North Scotland and East Anglia will be announced shortly. Details of the trainers and times will also follow soon.

2009 YDP winner Jess Denning

It was a Youth Development entry form in her first Society Review that led 20 year old Jess Denning to win the trip of a lifetime. YDP co-ordinator Gayle Bersey finds out what Jess has learnt from her experience and where her prize will take her

The Denning family are Somerset born and bred and until fairly recently milked on the 120 acre Temple Farm in Chedzoy. In 2006 the decision was taken to disperse the dairy herd and move into suckler cows. Some dairy cross cows were kept and some pedigree Angus cows were purchased from Sheldon and House at Taunton to form the ‘Temple’ herd of Aberdeen-Angus.

The farm is very much a family affair, with Jess and her brother and sisters taking an active role in all Temple Farm activities. The majority of cattle, pigs and sheep on the farm end up in the Denning’s catering business, ‘Pasture to Plate’ or with their homemade apple juice, in the farm shop. Pedigree bulls are also sold off farm. More pedigree cows have since been added to the herd, most recently from the Rull herd of Ed and Claire Jones.

It was just after Jess’ parents Andrew and Judith joined the Society that they received the Review with the YDP entry form in. They both felt that this was something Jess would enjoy getting involved in and she turned out to be pretty good at it too. Jess attended the workshop at Lockerley Farm and thoroughly enjoyed the day. As part of the NVQ folder, she had to attain some ‘showing experience’ with a pedigree Angus breeder and the trainer put her in contact with Colin Hutchings.

Showing with Colin throughout the summer and gaining a place in the 2007 final in Perth made Jess keen to have a go herself and get her parents cattle out on the show circuit. For her 18^th birthday her parents bought her a very fitting present, Kingsbrompton Jacata Erica, which was the start of her very own pedigree herd under the ‘Park Wall’ prefix.

Jess entered the YDP again, gaining a place in the 2008 final at Carlisle and enjoyed success at several local shows with her cattle and that of other peoples too. In 2009, Jess’ dreams were shattered when by the smallest of margins she missed out on the chance to go to Veterinary College which had always been her plan. While deciding on a different career path, Jess entered the YDP and for the third time made it through to the final where, it was obviously ‘third time lucky’ as Jess won the senior section against some stiff opposition.

Judge, Bridget Borlase praised her for her ability with cattle, but also commented that she would be a great ambassador for the breed having paid attention and carried out instructions with great efficiency.

Jess with one of her heifers from her Park Wall prefix

2010 is looking like a promising year for this rising star, Jess is in the midst of completing her Farm Secretarial course and has just taken on the roll of Treasurer for Sedgemoor Young Farmers as well as the Somerset Young Farmers County Rally.  She has lined up some show experience with Richard and Carol Rettie in the summer and to top it all she has the sponsored trip to study Angus abroad to look forward to courtesy of winning the YDP final. Jess has chosen Canada as her destination and she is hoping to get involved with the show teams at the Calgary Stampede. It will also be a great opportunity to see some of the genetics that have influenced our herd book.

Jess paid tribute to how much she has gained from the YDP saying: “my only disappointment in winning is that I won’t be able to enter again! It’s given me the confidence and knowledge to show my own cattle which I wouldn’t have known where to start before and I have met so many great friends through all of the workshops and finals. I would urge anyone to have go.”

‘Wow, amazing, trip of a lifetime’ – words I thought I would only use when describing my trip to South Africa following the British Lions earlier last summer.

But the same could be said of my adventures and experiences gained from the World Angus Forum in Canada, touring round some of the top herds in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana, USA, as well as making the memorable trip down to the Palermo Show in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Very rarely have I experienced as many greeting hugs and kisses from so many women as in Argentina but that’s another story!

David Gray enjoying some chill time in the Rockies

Much will have been written about the success of the forum. It really was a wonderful event topped off with the presentation of some of the finest cattle in the world. Arriving on the Friday before the forum started gave us some extra days to do our own pre-forum tour conducted by John Elliot, Jun, where we took in the Coldstream, Hamilton, Belvin and Remital herds over the week-end (as well as managing to lose some money in the hotel casino!). In hindsight, I would have been better spending my money on some embryos. But unlike Jim Logan buying Hereford embryos, mine would have been black!

Sunday began with the World Secretariat Meeting where presidents and chief executives from all the leading Aberdeen-Angus countries gave a brief update on the development of the breed in their country. Discussions were also held on the future direction and problems currently facing the breed, followed by a presentation by delegates from Argentina for the 2011 World Secretariat meeting.

Unbeknown to me, I was to make a speech on the Society’s Youth Development Programme in the UK which I managed to talk my way round before heading off to the “World’s Greatest Outdoor Show” – the Calgary Stampede Finals day.

This really was fantastic. The atmosphere and sun, combined with the adrenaline of watching the competitors risking every bone in their body, really made it a fascinating experience. The rest of the week incorporated the showing of Red Angus, Black Angus, the Futurity Show and the Young Guns. What a show it was. The level of stockmanship, presentation and the quality was tremendous.

After the forum, with Niall Lynch and John McEnroe and family, we set off on our own post-forum tour which took in several ranches in Alberta – Adams Hirshe, Willabar, Remington and Ballyheather and Stevensons, VDAR, Leachman, Vermillion, GDAR and Rollin Rock Angus ranches in USA.

We also visited three semen collection centres where we saw some of the top bulls and most influential bulls used in the breed around the world, such as SAV Traveller 004 and SAV Net Worth 4200. By the end of that week, we were back in Canada and in the Saskatchewan area where we were very impressed with the Six Mile red and black herd, Peak Dot and Southland Angus ranches.

Emphasis in North Amercia is on smaller cattle, but with quick 400 day growth rates

Assessing the cattle in both Canada and Montana, it is clear to see the huge importance placed on the maternal side where the drive is for a very fertile feminine cow with tremendous udder. The focus is on smaller cattle that perform with quick growth to 400 days with the emphasis placed on marbling traits and line breeding to bulls with these desirable traits. Although this is now coming up with its own problems, the end product and the quality of the steaks I can assure you is superb. Hence the reason I am still sporting a bit extra flesh myself!

Next stop was Argentina. I flew down with Colton and Quinn Hamilton (Belvin Angus) and Brody Gardner (Diamond T Angus). Arriving in my Canadian summer gear of a vest, shorts and flip-flops, I got a major shock when I stepped off the plane and remembered I was now in the southern hemisphere and it is winter time. Alejandro Salamme, who I had met at the forum, picked us up and we were off to the show grounds.

Entering the huge Palermo stock barns was a wonderful spectacle. On my left was close to 600 black and red Angus and to the right, the rest of the breeds used in the country, the majority of which were Brangus, the popular Angus/Brahman cross. I was introduced to Juan Ezcurra, an advisor to 35 Angus herds throughout Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. He was in charge of 85 animals at the show. Right from the word go, I was asked if I had experience of clipping. I was immediately given a set of clippers, pointed towards an eagerly awaiting bull and told to get on with it.

After passing the test and given a few Argentinean pointers, I was then left with four Angus to prepare. Together with Alejandro’s brother, Javier, who I was staying with, we were responsible for these animals for the remainder of the show. Wednesday was calf show day for both heifers and bulls and although I had none in the classes, I was asked to prepare a couple and even had the opportunity of showing them in the ring.

Heifers and cows were judged on the Thursday and again I was involved in preparing and showing. Each division champion went through to the grand female champion class. It was very exciting with many of the 150,000-plus visitors each day passing through the cattle barns and stopping off at the judging.

From the offset, one thing which was very apparent – the type of Aberdeen-Angus I am used to seeing at the top of the line in the UK is different to the type chosen at this show. Any beast verging on above-average size was far too big for the judges at Palermo. But the cattle were very correct, easy fleshing with beautiful Aberdeen-Angus heads and an abundance of hair.

David Gray showing a first prize winner at the Palermo Show

Friday, July 31, was the show of bulls and the last day of showing. Again the huge crowds packed round the show ring as the bulls were prepared and shown. A bull from EL Cholo that I was looking after – sired by a past Palermo champion – won his class and was third champion in his division. He then went on to be the third top priced bull at the sale, making 18,000 pesos.

Grand parade at the Palermo Show

Another bull brought out by another of Juan’s teams was reserve overall champion. So it was a great day for the team resulting in celebrations going on well into the night – and two of the guys getting their heads shaved with the cattle clippers. Thankfully I managed to keep my hair on!

The Sunday night was another social occasion with all the stockmen getting a free steak plus as much drink as we wanted – all paid for by the exhibitors of the champions and reserve champions of each of the breeds. A good idea for Stirling, perhaps??!!.

The following night was the Aberdeen-Angus dinner, organised by the Association Argentina de Angus, in conjunction with the female sale where the champion sold for 62,000 pesos. I was left to prepare two females for the sale and lead them round the ring.

Next day was the bull sale where I had three bulls to lead round. I took huge pride in bringing out, preparing and leading the El Cholo bull although I had no idea at the time what he had sold for. However, I had figured out it must have been pretty good due to the round of applause it received.

I would like to thank the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society for giving me this wonderful opportunity and allowing me to gain experience I might never have had if it wasn’t for the Youth Development Programme. I would urge all young enthusiastic breeders to enrol in the competition and really embrace all it has to offer through friendships, experience, hands-on learning, extra qualifications and the chance to have a trip of a lifetime.

Judge for the day was Bridget Borlase from Wattan at Stone, Hertfordshire. Bridget runs the Sacombe and Perrywood herds of Simmental and Belted Galloway cattle and has been showing cattle from a very young age. She has also been responsible for training the South East Simmental Club young members in showing and stock judging. Commenting on the standard of young handlers Bridget said: “I was incredibly impressed with the handlers in all classes, particularly the intermediate class where it was very hard indeed to split the top five. The competition itself is a credit to the Angus Society and I’d like to wish all the members the best of success in their future – many of those handlers could show stock for me any time!”

Senior winner Jess Denning pictured with Youth Development chairman Mark Pilcher and judge Bridget Borlase

Winning the coveted senior championship and a paid for trip by the society for an Angus study tour of her choice was Jess Denning from Somerset.

Here are the rest of the class results (full report and more pictures to follow soon).

Juniors

1^st Hannah Slowen, Yorkshire

2^nd Mark Wattie, North of Scotland

3^rd Jack Smyth, Northern Ireland

Intermediate

1^st Charlie Mccombie, North of Scotland

2^nd David Goulding, Republic of Ireland

3^rd Melissa Kelly, North of Scotland

Senior

1^st Jess Denning, Somerset

2^nd Graeme Parke, Northern Ireland

3^rd Thomas Slowen, Yorkshire

Therefore, when the Irish Farmers Journal advertised its annual heifer competition, Marie was quick to enter, completing the necessary essay questionnaire. It was testimony to her hard work and obvious talents when she qualified for the finals of the competition. This was a huge achievement as only 18 youngsters from in excess of 1000 entrants qualified. The finals of the competition were held at the National Ploughing Competition where the 18 finalists were to undertake nine five minute interviews. And as if this was not daunting enough all interviews were completed on stage in-front of thousands of spectators. However all contestants were spurred by the same goal, winning one of the eight heifers which had been donated by their respective breed societies. These heifers included a Blonde d’Aquitaine cross, a Charolais cross, a Hereford cross, an Aberdeen-Angus cross, a Irish Angus cross, a Limousin cross, a Parthenaise cross, and a Simmental cross all of which were quality heifers who someday will make fantastic suckler cows.

On the morning of the finals unlike other contestants Marie had a day’s work completed. She had cleaned out, bedded and groomed her family’s Aberdeen-Angus cattle which were proudly exhibited on the Aberdeen-Angus Association stand. Having completed her tasks Marie left the tent for the interview process, her normal quiet self, confident in her ability to answer any question that was thrown at her. This was not missed placed confidence as having completed the interview process, it was announced that Marie was one of the successful finalists having scored extremely highly in the interview process.  With only a moment to celebrate her success Marie’s next task was to complete a lucky dip to see which heifer she won. Her luck was not to abandon her even at this stage as she successfully pulled the ticket for one of the Angus cross heifers from the hat.

An over joyed Marie returned to her duties on the Aberdeen-Angus tent soon after her win however like any good stock person Marie had already cast her expert eye over her newly won heifer identifying her strengths and weaknesses and following consultation with her mother, Angie, and father, Owen, a bull was chosen to put on her heifer. This is however, a decision to this day which has remained top secret, the only details Marie is willing to disclose is that her heifer will be AI’d in December and that the subsequent calf will be ready to compete as part of the Armstrong show team in 2011.

I’m pleased to report my last Youth Development Programme training workshop for this year was yet another great success. On my recent visit to Northern Ireland I was greeted by enthusiastic and helpful Aberdeen-Angus breeders and some extremely talented young people. At the beginning of the year I didn’t know anyone in Northern Ireland now, after 24 hours there I have a very useful list of helpful contacts!

Victor Wallace had been ‘press ganged’ into hosting the workshop by William McLaren Jnr while they were all out having a lovely time in Canada. Victor and I had agreed that if we held it on the same day as their Club stock judging event, it would benefit all.

Trainer for the day was Gordon McWilliam, yes I can hear you all asking: What? A Scotsman!! Gordon had been working with a mutual friend at the Royal Show when it dawned on me what an ideal man he would be for the job and he didn’t stand a chance of saying no! Gordon originally hails from the North of Scotland, but now farms in Northern Ireland with his wife, Libby Clarke and two daughters.

The only thing to disappoint me about Northern Ireland was the turnout of participants. On paper it looked fantastic with 20 or so entered for the day. Sadly only 9 actually attended and I hope it was because there were other events on that day or the fact that it was the only dry spell we’ve all had this summer! Victor and Stephen Wallace, along with Gordon had gone to a lot of effort to make this a successful event. The Baronagh cattle are not shown, so the heifers we had to work with were specifically halter broken for the workshop.

The day started with a very informative talk about EBV’s from Jim Dennison of AI Services. He used one of the heifers to do a scanning demonstration. Showing visuals on the screen helped everybody interpret the information on the EBV charts.

It was then Gordon’s turn to take centre stage, I had been winding him up all morning as he was a little nervous, and for the first 10 minutes he kept referring to the workshop plan I had sent him!

Gordon had been concerned that the Irish participants would not understand his Scottish phrases and told everyone to ask me if they didn’t understand anything. I thought this was a little like the blind leading the blind with a Cornish girl explaining Scottish phrases to Irish folk, luckily it wasn’t an issue!

Gordon began by explaining how to feed and halter break your cattle and how far in advance they needed to start this. He then explained how to tie cattle up, demonstrating neck ties and the correct quick release knots to use. Everyone then had a turn at tying the knot.

He then took the participants through the washing and grooming of the cattle. It was really great to hear the youngsters asking plenty of questions and lots of discussions took place along the way. Then came the clipping demonstration that everyone always enjoys and it was interesting to hear how a Charolais man clips!

Gordon then showed everyone how to dress the cattle. The heifers had very different coats so he was able to show how to put shine on a summer coat and then he soaped up a heifer with more hair. It was then the turn of the youngsters to have a go and all showed a good deal of skill. Then came the bit that is one of my favourite parts of the day, the ring craft workshop.

What I like is as soon as they take over the halter they become a little more confident and a little more competitive! After this it was time to break for lunch, The Wallace family had made hotdogs for everyone and we all sat in the sun and enjoyed the company. After lunch Gordon showed everyone how to make a halter and again there was not enough rope for me to show my skill, but someone did actually take my advice this time! Gordon also showed everyone how to make neck ropes too.

The afternoon saw the start of the Northern Ireland Club’s stockjudging event. This was run by club chairman Alan Morrison. Many club members joined the YDP participants for this event. Victor had picked out 6 groups of four animals- two year old heifers, senior and junior cows, bulls and yearling heifers. Michael Smith and Jim Jack acted as judges and everyone had a go at putting them in order.

I did incredibly badly and I tried put it down to jet lag! One young man 13 year old Jack Smyth did incredibly well and won the prize for the under 16’s. After the prize giving we were treated to a lovely afternoon tea provided yet again by the Wallace Family and then we were given the opportunity to view the Baronagh Herd which was very enjoyable. Not only were the cattle a fantastic sight to see but I had the opportunity to chat to lots of very friendly Angus breeders. And I do hope that Libby doesn’t have too many photos of me, I’m normally the one with the camera!

Yet again another successful workshop thanks to Victor Wallace and Family, Gordon McWilliam, Jim Dennison and Alan Morrison.

So that was the last workshop of 2009. I now have the job of totting up the scores and letting everyone know whether they are through to the final. I am very grateful that it was not my job to mark these enthusiastic young people, there is an awful lot of talent out there and it is great to think that these stockman skills are being nurtured by the Aberdeen Angus Society.

As it is my first year in the job and I haven’t been involved with the programme before, I have found it quite daunting working in parts of the country that I don’t know and with people that I don’t know all that well either.  I thought that the South of England workshop would be a breeze as I knew everyone involved.

As it was one of the last workshops, the participants had read all reports of previous workshops and all told me how much they were looking forward to it being their turn now. Oh the pressure!! But I need not have worried as everyone pulled it off magnificently.

The workshop was held at Lockerley Hall Farm, Southampton by kind permission of Mr L Van Geest and herd manager David Batch. Workshops have been held here before so they had had some practise, but David did tell me of a few sleepless nights about the whole job!

Head trainer for the day was Colin Hutchings. I’m not sure he needs any introduction as he has won most showing accolades over the years and is a prominent figure on the west country show seen. Colin has not been involved with the YDP before but has been a driving force in many breeds and for all ages, as well as experience of an education programme in the South.

He also taught my Dad quite a few things, especially on a trip to Perth when Dad was in his teens!! Also helping with the training was Rob Bishop, who mght not have been around for as long as Colin but has certainly been very successful in Angus, and of course with Colin comes Jack Ellicott!

10 participants turned up for the day’s training and also a few ‘not quite so young’ turned up with a hope that Colin would let one of the secrets of his success slip for all to use in future!

The day started with a talk on halter breaking and feeding cattle, a very useful and informative part of the day where attendees asked lots of questions. This was followed by the ‘Clipping Clinic’. Colin demonstrated how best to accentuate the good points of an animal and hide the not quite so good points!

All participants were able to have a go including the not so confident ones that ended up doing an excellent job. The clipping is always of interest to the youngsters and it is great when the experts pass on useful tips, and I’m nearly in danger of using my favourite phrase of ‘hands on experience’!!! Jack found his usual usefulness and brought round tea and biscuits mid morning and certainly used his initiative with the tray!

The morning sessions ended with the washing of the cattle. I am always really impressed by the cattle that seem to take no notice of 3 or 4 people scrubbing and hosing them all at once. It is something you can’t prepare them for, as even if they have been to a show I have never found 3 or 4 people to help me wash mine!!

After lunch while the cattle were drying, Colin gave a run through of what you should be looking for in a beef animal, pointing out the cuts of meat, breed characteristics and qualities that are needed for today’s market. This was followed by Rob Bishop talking about EBV’s and using the actual figures for the Lockerley animals that were there. This was a brilliant way of explaining breeding and figures as it was all there in front of you and Rob’s figures backed Colin’s physical analysis.

Colin then showed the attendees how to dress an animal using soap and everyone had the chance to have a go at turning the animals out. I must apologise to any parents that had black hand prints on everything when they came home! Two of the animals had been clipped and one hadn’t, when compared against each other this then reinforced the need for clipping.

After another cup of tea brought to us this time by Tom Beadle of Rosemead Herd, using the same ‘tray’ as before, the youngsters were able to show off their showing skills in a mock show! It is great to see even the quiet ones come into their own when on the end of a halter and all showed with great skill. It did cause great amusement with Jack pushing everything on and Colin telling him to slow up, it reminded me of every show that we go too!

Halter making - note the ages of the fellas please!

The afternoon ended with the bit that most of the older participants had turned up for, halter making! Tom Beadle had put his holiday to Devon on hold to learn this skill. Mrs Batch and I did decide that it probably would be easier to buy one from Mole Valley!! Sadly there was not enough rope for me to make one as I am positive that I can now do it!!!!

Again another really friendly and informative workshop thanks to Lockerley Farms, David Batch, Colin Hutchings, Rob & Rachel Bishop and Jack Ellicott.

Smile please!

We were very pleased to welcome the YDP Committee Chairman, Mark Pilcher to this workshop, although it was his regional one it did take him 4 ½ hours to get there! He emailed me the next day to say he had thoroughly enjoyed the day and said that it had reinforced for him what made the YDP such a success. He pretty much summed it up when he said how great it was for the ‘kids’ to learn from a stockman par excellence in Colin, wise words from Rob who’s just won the Royal and a bit of humour from Jack thrown in for good measure!

Enthusiasm definitely wasn’t lacking and the atmosphere was great, as most of the youngsters show against each other throughout the year, and a little friendly competition never goes a miss. The workshop was held at Tree Bridge Farm, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough by kind permission of David and Penny Evans. This was the first time they had hosted a workshop themselves, although David had been involved last year, and they did an excellent job! David had secured the services of well known Northern Prime Stock shower, Eileen Wilson and Duncan McLaren, whose name speaks volumes in the world of Angus and now Duncan is making his mark with Charolais.

A warm welcome started the day off nicely with coffee and homemade  brownies and  cookies made by Tor and Hen Evans.  People keep laughing as I always seem to mention food in the workshop reports but it is working a treat as there always seems to be some new goodies waiting for me at the next one! It didn’t go unnoticed by Penny Evans that whenever she saw me I was eating something! I would just like to point out that food is not compulsory for the hosts to provide, the participants are suppose to bring their own lunch.

Halter making with Duncan McLaren

The participants were split into groups on age and the first group made halters with Duncan. He had two wonderful bits of equipment that I hadn’t seen at any of the other demonstrations, a piece of wood and a glove!! These were so that the ends of the halter could be melted and rolled to make the joins very neat. Duncan did say he had found the wood worked better than what his father used to use which was the top of the Rayburn!! Juliet Swires and I watched intently to see if we could pick up the skill, and I’ve nearly got it, yes I know we hear that after every workshop!

The older group were taken by David and Eileen where they were shown how to wash and blow the cattle. The groups swapped around and more cattle were washed and halters made. All stopped for lunch where David and Penny had fired up the BBQ and we were all treated to some wonderful Angus Burgers and Sausages (yeap food again!) We all sat on the lawn in the pleasant sunshine and all matter of things were discussed, those of you that were there will know the hilarity of some of the subjects!!

It's all in the feed........

After lunch, David had obtained some feed samples from Farmway, we were all given a piece of paper to guess what each one was. Big discussions ensued and it turned out to be a really informative exercise in more ways than one.

Keeping an eye on the lines.......

The afternoon practical sessions started with clipping. As some had clipped before, they were given a beast to clip by themselves with Duncan giving some useful advice. Eileen did a demonstration for those that hadn’t any previous clipping experience. With Eileen coming from a commercial background it was really good to see how she clips and I picked up a few tips. She ran through which points of the animal to emphasise and which to hide and then all had a go with heads, tops and tails. David then demonstrated how to prepare an animal for the ring and the participants were able to prepare their own beast.

For the Explaining EBV’s talk, David had printed off the figures for the three show bulls that we had used for the practical sessions. This again sparked a great discussion which everyone took part in and put forward some interesting points.  Being able to see the bulls in the flesh alongside their figures was a great way to explain them.

Let the competition begin!

The afternoon ended with the ring craft session, this was where the friendly rivalry came into play! Three of the four animals used for this had been washed, clipped and ‘turned out’ during the day and the young lady with the fourth, rather dirty looking bull was very worried at how this would look in the pictures! Although I don’t think she needs to worry about the dirty back end as I have a lovely picture of her moving his feet with the end of a golf club!

Yet again another fabulous workshop, thanks to David and Penny Evans and family, Eileen Wilson, Duncan McLaren and Juliet Swires for the entertaining conversations.

It has occurred to me while writing these reports that I always say I’ve learnt a few things and I definitely have.  Over the last few months I have been lucky enough to see the tricks of the trade from some of the country’s top stockmen and women, but I would just like to say that like the halters, it’s all going to take a bit of time to put theory into practise so don’t be expecting too much from me just yet!!

I managed to high jack Chrissie Lawrence’s trip to Ireland as I had heard tell that she had sat nav! I’d flown into Cork so we had stayed there overnight and got up very early the next morning to make our way to the workshop. Sat nav was great (Tom Tom is my new best friend!) and we found Fedamore with ease. At the junction in the village was as promised a sign, so we followed the arrow and travelled along this road until we met another junction, no sign! We travelled around in various directions and then decided to go back to the original sign in Fedamore. Just as we got there, Eustace Burke Jnr was putting up a sign to say the farm/workshop was right on that junction! Moral of the story – it never pays to be too early!!

When we arrived at Castlequarter Farm the whole place was a hive of activity with people brushing and washing and cooking and even gardening! Tim and Doreen Corridan had kindly agreed to let us use their facilities for the Youth Development Programme but they were also having a Munster Club Open Day, so people of all ages could come and view the cattle and learn a few tricks of the trade. Eight participants had entered for the YDP, but numbers varied throughout the day with at least 12 being there for the whole time. Eustace Burke junior and senior helped me organise the day and had secured the services of Leo McEnroe as trainer. Leo, like most of our trainers comes from a good line of pedigree breeding and I understand many Irish success stories have some form of McEnroe involvement.

The Corridan Family had prepared six calves that were still on the cows which meant that they were of an appropriate size for the participants to handle, although they did seem to have minds of their own!

Leo started the day with a talk on feeding show cattle, which is one of the most important parts of showing cattle. He then went on to bedding up animals and tying them up securely and safely, everyone then had the chance to practice the quick release knot that Leo had shown them.

Then it was onto the bit that all the participants love, hands on experience! After a brief health and safety chat and a demonstration on getting to know your animal and the correct handling procedures, all attendees were let loose on washing the 6 calves. There were buckets and combs and soap and water everywhere. Luckily it was a really warm and sunny morning and the participants and calves didn’t seem to notice getting saturated.

Every bit of the animals was scrubbed and it was great to see the young people helping each other out too. There wasn’t anyone stood looking on, they all had something to do.

It was then time to stop for lunch, the Corridan’s had prepared a wonderful picnic for everyone and as usual at these events, just as we sat down to eat a little black cloud came over and left the weather a little cooler than the morning. It didn’t deter the enthusiastic crowd though and there were many more onlookers when Leo had a heifer out to point out the cuts of meat, all the youngsters prodded and poked the heifer to get an idea of where things were and what they should be looking for in a beef animal.

We were then treated to a talk explaining the 5* system of performance figures, given to us by Doreen Corridan and the older generation took the chance to ask some questions. We then went onto the clipping clinic. Leo took a heifer calf and showed everyone just why he is so successful, the heifer was covered in hair and when he had finished she looked like an All Ireland Show Champ.

When I showed my Dad the pictures of the workshop, it was the first thing he commented on was this lovely heifer and how well she was presented. So anyone going to the Corridan’s dispersal sale should definitely have a look at Lot 23a!

Once calves had been buffed and fluffed it was time for some ring craft. While 6 members paraded the calves the others helped with pushing the calves on or in some cases retrieving them after they’d made a break for the cow! They all stood them up squarely using a stick. They then swapped over and the others got the chance to show.

The day finished with the halter making display which is great when the participants can take something they have made home. I must be learning a little as I tried to issue some advice to one young person making a halter, she’d obviously read my reports where I said I didn’t know how to do it yet as she asked Neil McEnroe who’s 12 how to help her instead!!

I was glad that Chrissie could come along to see what the YDP training workshops are all about, I’m always bending her ear about the enthusiasm and skill that is already evident in the youngsters. Whilst watching the ring craft we both thought that they were all capable of being top class stock persons, and a lot of them have pretty good showing careers already!

Yet another fantastic workshop thanks to Leo McEnroe, Tim, Doreen and Katie Corridan and staff, Matthew Goulding and Eustace Burke Jnr & Senior.

I know that some people have been disappointed not to have more workshops in the Republic of Ireland, with an entry of only 13 across the whole of the Republic, it didn’t seem prudent to have too many. There are two points to the YDP, learning new skills and meeting people. It was felt that from the social side of things, workshops with 3 or 4 defeated the object. I hope that the Republic of Ireland will see how fantastic the workshop was in Limerick so they will enter the YDP next year and we can hopefully have a workshop in all areas. I also hope that we can secure Leo for another year as he really was good.

The Central England workshop on Saturday reminded me of what is so great about the Aberdeen Angus Youth Development Programme. It’s the way that stock men and women that have had such an influence on the breed give up their time to pass on their knowledge and skills to hopefully shape the breeders and stockmen of the future. The workshop was held at Nightingale Farm by kind permission of the Robertson family, in the lovely flat area of Pershore, Worcestershire, with the Malvern Hills just in view.

Growing up I had heard many stories of the Nightingale herd, my Dad had visited in the early 80’s and had been impressed with the cows. He quite often tells the story of when Willie Robertson brought some of the first Canadian bred bulls to Devon County in the early 70’s. I’m sure it stirred up quite a storm to see two yearling bulls that were so vastly different from anything anyone had seen in the Angus cattle from the 1960’s.  

There are now three generations working on the farm and all were on hand for the workshop. The Nightingale team were joined by Andrew Robinson of Glympton who headed up the training sessions. We are very grateful to Andrew as he stepped into the job at a days notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Andrew took to his roll like a duck to water and I think he must have been practising in front of the mirror all night!

Andrew Robinson passing on his stockmanship skills

The morning started with the 9 participants being shown how to halter and tie cattle up, we were lucky enough to have 8 halter broken heifers which meant that everyone had the chance of putting the halter on and walking the cattle to tie them up as you would at a show. Andrew then covered what you would do at a show, such as bedding them up safely, neck ties and feeding etc. The youngsters were then split into two groups, juniors and seniors. While the juniors made halters with Mr Robertson, the seniors were shown how to wash an animal for a show using the pressure washer and every conceivable comb/brush/scraper you can think of and Andrew showed them which one was best used for what task.

I have since come home and looked in my show box to see a Cornwall farmer’s own brush and comb and think I might have to go a little more up market now! The groups then swopped around and I had a heart attack to see the little nine year olds washing feet and getting really stuck in! Sadly, I still haven’t got to grips with making a halter, it would’ve been an ideal time as I wouldn’t have had to take it home on a plane! The morning sessions ended with Rob Bishop giving the explaining EBV’s presentation, a job that he did extremely well and now he has the same task for the Southern Workshop.

Rob Bishop and his EBV talk

For the first workshop this year, I was actually able to sit outside for lunch! Angela had made sandwiches to feed the hungry hoards and a pleasant lunchtime chat was had by all. The afternoon sessions were again conducted in two groups. The seniors were treated to a clipping demonstration conducted by Piers Morris. Although not particularly old, (a lot younger than me shall we say!) Piers has lots of experience, working at Perth with the likes of Blelack and he definitely has his mothers eye when it comes to cattle.

The older participants were then able to have a go at clipping themselves, a part of the programme that everyone seems to enjoy and perhaps needs more time put to it in future. Andrew was joined by Rachel Bishop for the animal presentation seminar. Rachel and her husband Rob are having a very successful year showing, winning many championships so far and it was great to see them passing their winning knowledge on. Andrew and Rachel ran through all the different coat dressings and how they were used and then all the youngsters had a go at turning out an animal using the various products. I think Piers may be washing those poor heifers for weeks after a few eight year olds and a spray can were used!

Andrew Robinson teaching cattle presentation skills

Andrew then explained what they would have to do before they went in the ring, changing halters and putting numbers on, painting feet, he then gave a demonstration of what was expected in the ring, placing feet and the information that the judge might ask. Andrew asked the juniors what they should do when you have your animal lined up and behaving nicely at a show and one little lad said ‘take it in quickly before it changes its mind!’ The seniors were able to take the heifers out to practice their ring craft and all did extremely well.

The last item on the agenda was a bit of stock judging, Angela had picked out four of the heifers for judging. Andrew Robinson placed them as he thought and then everyone discussed their ideas. The day ended with Angela bringing out the most perfect Victoria Sponge you have ever seen and scones and jam and it seemed a great way to end a great day, sadly I didn’t get a photo of the said sponge!

The YDP are very grateful to The Robertson Family, Piers Morris, Andrew Robinson and Rob and Rachel Bishop for giving up their time for the programme.