A total of 20 youngsters from throughout the UK and Ireland took part in the Aberdeen-Angus junior showmanship competition at Perth.

Senior Youth Development Winner Anna Playfair-Hannay

The final 20 were selected from a record 88 youngsters taking part in regional workshops and competitions all over the country over the past year. Participants were also required to write a short essay on the Aberdeen-Angus breed and were given the opportunity of assisting exhibitors at summer shows.

“It augurs well for the future of the breed that so many youngsters took part in our stock handling training programme which is an important element of our Youth Development Programme,” said Ron McHattie, chief executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.

“The keen competition and level of skill achieved by the youngsters in the preparation of animals, and the parading of the animals in the showring, was most impressive and made it very difficult for our judges.”

Mr McHattie paid tribute to Sian Sharp, Cheeklaw, Duns, Berwickshire, who co-ordinated the junior showmanship programme, and Hazel McFadzean, the new secretary of the Highland Cattle Society, who administered the programme, as well as the regional clubs throughout the country who put so much effort into the training of the youngsters in their own area and the organisation of regional events.

Young Handlers Intermediate Finalists leading the picture from left Michael Ritch.

Results –

Senior – 1 Anna Playfair-Hannay, Morebattle Tofts, Kelso, Roxburghshire; 2 Dougie Shand, Schivas Estates, Ythanbank, Ellon, Aberdeenshire; 3 Jack Arnott, Haymount, Kelso, Roxburghshire.

Intermediate – 1 Michael Ritch, Legatesden, Pitcaple, Inveruriem, Aberdeenshire; 2 Charles McCombie, Auchincrieve, Rothiemay, Huntly, Aberdeenshire; 3 Thomas Blackburn, Killaney, 205 Aughafad Road, Clogher, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

Junior – 1 Lucy McCombie, Auchincrieve, Rothiemay, Huntly, Aberdeenshire; 2 Hannah Slowen, Squirrel Lodge, Brow Lane, Balkholme Howden, Goole, East Yorks; 3 Joe Sutherland, Manor Farm, Abberton, Pershore, Worcester.

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