A cattle showing specialist based in the Eden area has enjoyed a memorable success at a local show with a difference.
The NBA Beef Expo event took place on Saturday at the J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, near Kendal, and brought together the very best in British cattle in the national commercial cattle show.
Thirteen breed societies showcased the very best pedigree cattle, with the event — organised by the National Beef Association — also incorporating a large trade exhibition and a seminar programme focussing on the future of the beef industry.
In the national commercial cattle show, the main commercial classes — expertly judged by Frank Page, from Northamptonshire — saw Neil Slack, of Plum Tree House, Newby, near Shap, overjoyed to take the supreme championship with Pepper, a Limousin cross heifer born in November, 2022.
Neil bought the heifer in September at Borderway mart, Carlisle, in the belief she had a lot of potential and would be just at the right stage of growth for this year’s spring and summer shows. Bred by Malcolm Telfor and Helen Claxton, Corbridge, Northumberland, she was sired by the bull Kiniside Novel out of a Limousin cross cow.
Neil plans to take her to this year’s summer shows, including Penrith and Skelton, and then keep her for breeding.
Neil said: “It’s tremendous — it’s been a local show to us this year, so that makes it extra special. She’s a fantastic beast. I love it when a plan comes together, it’s a great result!”
The heifer was shown in the ring by Neil’s niece, 16-year-old Elizabeth Haughan, who had double cause for delight because she also won the reserve champion young handler award’ just being edged out of top spot by 15-year-old Olivia Matten.
Elsewhere at the event, the seminars drew large audiences and included panellists from the three main political parties — Sir Mark Spencer, Minister of State at Defra; Daniel Zeichner, Shadow Minister for Farming, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs; and Tim Farron, MP and Westmorland and Lonsdale — discuss farming, food and finance.
