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Published on 15th September, 2017

The Jersey Cattle Society of the United Kingdom is delighted to announce a new showcase for the Jersey breed, with its first National Show in over 10 years held at this year’s Dairy Show.

Hosting the Jersey National Show is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of the breed, said head of shows, Alan Lyons.

The Jersey National Show will take place on Wednesday 4 October at The Dairy Show, giving exhibitors a prime opportunity to show off their very best Jersey cattle, said Rebecca Hurd, national field officer at the Jersey Cattle Society. “There hadn’t been a show for over 10 years and I thought we ought to have one. Having worked with the Royal Bath & West Society before, I knew it would add a lot to the occasion to hold the National Show at the Dairy Show,” she added.

Classes will be held for calves and showmanship on the evening of Tuesday 3 October with a full range of Jersey classes the following morning.

In honour of the occasion, Robert Jarrell of RJF Jerseys, will be judging the event, travelling over from Ontario, Canada, to judge this prestigious event, said Ms Hurd. RJF Jerseys were awarded the master breeder herd shield in 2008 and have developed many All Canadian, star brood cows and champion show cows. Mr Jarrell was awarded champion cow at the World Dairy Expo as well as junior champion at Louisville, Kentucky and All American Junior Herd 2008. Mr Jarrell and his family are very involved right across the Jersey committees of Canada. “We are honoured that he has accepted our invitation to judge and are very excited to present to him the quality of Jersey cattle in the UK,” said Ms Hurd.

This is a great opportunity for the Jersey breed to showcase itself at a premier autumn dairy show, added Steven Bland, chairman of the Jersey Cattle Society.

After the success of last year, the Dairy Show is also hosting the National Guernsey Show. “We’re expecting a really good turn-out after last year,” said Mr Lyons. “It is a real honour for the Dairy Show to have the chance to present such wonderful cattle to visitors and this year we have an esteemed judge in Colin Evans.”

Mr Evans, at Gwarwenallt Farm, St Clears, Carmarthenshire has been involved with Guernsey cattle most of his life, having grown up with them on the farm. He went back to keeping pedigree Guernseys in 2002 and is currently vice chairman of the Welsh Dairy Show.

Knowing Guernsey cattle well, Mr Evans already has an idea of what he will be looking for in the showing ring. “I am basically looking for a correct modern Guernsey. The breed has improved in the udder and I am looking for a balance of features, showing strength and style. I hope to see a good collection of quality animals as it’s a great venue for Channel Island breeds.”

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