Press Release
16th September, 2013
Dairy Show’s calf classes boast genetics of the future
Calf showing can sometimes be seen as a poor relation compared to the excitement of
dairy interbreed championships – but it is the foundation on which the future is built.
And dairy farmers would do well to pay attention to the calf classes at the Dairy Show
in October, as they will comprise the best every breed has to offer.
Duncan Hunter, whose family have been breeding Ayrshire cattle for generations, is
judging this year’s calf classes, and reckons there is a lot more to showing than just
good-looking animals. “Producers come along to see what a breed can offer, whether
they have pedigree herds or not,” he says.
“There are a lot of crossbreeding programmes now, and in the ring you can see what
type of animal you will get from each breed. You can also see what they’re capable of
in terms of yield, milk constituents and fertility.”
But when it comes to judging calves, the decision-making is all about the potential of
the animal, says Mr Hunter. “You’re looking for a calf that is balanced and functional
– size isn’t everything. It’s about the animal being correct and in proportion, with
clean bones, dairy potential, and strength. A dairy calf that’s weak in the front end
will always be weak.”
When comparing different breeds, Mr Hunter is looking for an animal that really
excels within its sphere. “They all have different characteristics, so you’re looking for
the best of the best.”
But it’s not all about the animal. “There are always young handlers with the calves
and they need encouragement and support,” he says. “It fills me with warmth to see
what and who is coming through for the future.”
Although Mr Hunter sold his Haresfoot milking herd in 2011 in an effort to slow
down a bit, he is still breeding Ayrshires in Hertfordshire using embryonic transfer.
“During my time in milking I was fortunate enough to have bred some very good
families, which helped me to achieve high yields and showing success. I’m still
keeping my hand in by importing embryos from Canada, Australia and America,
using Simmental and Angus recipients,” he says.
“I’m breed manager for the Ayrshire Cattle Society, and this way I can bring new
genetics into the UK, without having to milk cows – I just rear them to show age and
then sell them.”
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in Ayrshire cows, but Mr
Hunter is not biased in the judging ring. “Commercial dairy farmers increasingly want
ease of management, longevity, health and better milk quality. And I love being able
to promote different breeds in the show ring, and commend breeders on what they’ve
done,” he says. “Every exhibitor has brought their best cattle to the show, so we must
do all we can to encourage them.”
So what have been the highlights of Mr Hunter’s career? “When I was showing
myself, winning the interbreed championship at the Dairy Show in 2010 was fantastic.
I was presented my trophy by the Countess of Wessex, to whom – not realising who
she was – I had offered a drink while having a party in the cattle lines the night
before. But in my judging career, the national show in Finland was probably the best
so far. There were nearly 200 Ayrshires to judge – it was just amazing.”
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The Dairy Show will be held on 1 October at the Royal Bath & West
Showground. Tickets can be purchased in advance from
www.bathandwest.com or via the ticket hotline - 01749 822222.
About the Royal Bath & West of England Society
The Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by
Edmund Rack. We are a registered charity organisation (Registered Charity Number
1039397). The Society was formed with the aims of encouraging agriculture, arts,
manufacture and commerce.
Our charitable activities provide:
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Agriculture, veterinary, educational and art scholarships
Technical events and Seminars
Practical farming advice and conferences
Countryside Education
Diversification advice for farmers
Education for children
A market place for countryside products
Plus all the events run by the Society and the Bath & West Trading Company
For further information or media enquiries contact Olivia Cooper on 01392 840009 or
e-mail olivia@agri-hub.co.uk.