MORE than 50 young farmers from clubs throughout Cumbria gathered at South Lakeland to engage in friendly battle at an annual competition.

The 14th Young Farmers’ Stock Judging Competition, which took place at Park House Farm, Heversham, aims to test contestants’ knowledge of livestock.

Organised by Westmorland County Agricultural Society, the event included judging of prime lambs, dairy and beef cattle, plus a veterinary questionnaire where those taking part assessed the livestock against a master judge’s placings before giving traditional reasons.

Christine Knipe, society chief executive, aid: “Competition was particularly keen among the young farmers, with just a few marks separating the top placings in each section.”

Kent Estuary YFC did themselves proud, scooping the team prize and the junior stockman award for member Michael Lawrence, while the senior stockman award went to James Hayllar, Pennine YFC.

President Jim Dewhurst said: “It is fantastic to see that traditional stockjudging remains popular and with so many youngsters taking part we can be sure of competent farmers in the future.”

Presented for only the second time, Amanda Jackson was the winner of the trophy awarded for the female gaining highest points, having scored a perfect 100 in the beef section – a mark very rarely achieved by anyone.

She said: “I can’t believe it. I was fairly confident with the placings of the stabiliser cattle, but I always miss something important when giving reasons.”

Vice-chairman, Jonathan Mason, thanked the Capstick family for hosting the event.