Training skills and the Victoria Sponge goes down a treat at Nightingale

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.