Welsh producer crowned beef stockman of the future

The Award, which is organised by Farmers Guardian and the National Beef Association, is open to people under 45 who are working with beef cattle, and was presented at this week’s Beef Expo dinner.

The judges for the Award were looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic stockman who was making decisions which would have a positive impact on the future of his or her business, using all the tools and information available to make the best of their stock on their particular unit.

All shortlisted entrants were visited on farm, and asked a series of questions on finance and business, management, breeding and genetics, feeding and forage, animal health, their commercial awareness and future plans. The visits, a maximum of two hours per farm, included looking at the farm and stock during the discussions.

The judges were Farmers Guardian editor Emma Penny, Eblex’s Katie Brian, and NBA representative and Northern Irish farmer William Haire. All three said the standard had been superb, with little to choose between the three finalists. However, Nick’s decision to set and pursue a strategy for his 60-cow herd with little external input gave him the winning edge.

Nick plans to double his herd size within the next couple of years, and sells the progeny from his Aberdeen Angus cows, which are crossed with Welsh Black bulls, as stores to a single outlet. “I can’t believe I have won,” he said.

Runner-up James Evans from Lydbury North in Shropshire runs 240 cows put to Stabiliser bulls, and is in the process of breeding his herd up, producing breeding stock and stores.

John Scott, from Fearn Farm near Tain in Ross-shire, who was very highly commended, produces breeding stock and finished cattle from his Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus herd.

The competition was sponsored by Intervet Schering Plough, manufacturer of Resflor; Pfizer, manufacturer of Pregsure; Zintec and Biobest Laboratories.

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