Shepherd Ben best in Royal show with cow
A SHEEP farmer, who only recently turned his hand to rearing cows, was delighted that one of them was judged best animal in show at the Royal Guernsey Agricultural & Horticultural Show yesterday.
Ben Wallace said it was wonderful to see Glenlea Eleanora 2 win best cow, and then go on to win best animal at the show at Saumarez Park.
‘I do quite like this cow,’ he said.
‘I thought another cow might win, but this one has fantastic udders.’
Mr Wallace is normally best known for his flock of sheep, but he has now branched out into cows and entered four cows and three heifers into the society’s competition.
The annual event allows locals farmers to showcase their animals.
Society secretary Liz Naftel said there were nearly 40 cows at Saumarez Park, as well as horses, sheep and Golden Guernsey goats.
‘It’s going really well,’ she said. ‘We have had great support from the public and it is a really popular event. We have lots of locals here, as well as visitors.’
Of the 13 dairy farms in the Bailiwick, eight were represented at the show.
Richard Breban was helping to judge the cows.
‘The quality has been excellent, particularly amongst the cows,’ he said.
‘It has been tough to choose a winner in some classes, especially among the heifers, as they were so equal.’
The show had free entry, meaning it was a great chance for everyone to get close to the animals.
Among the crowds was Prue and Peter Le Tissier, who were at the show with their six young grandchildren.
‘The children really like to come and see the animals,’ Mrs Le Tissier said.
‘They like the sheep best. We like the show because it’s a proper back-to-basics Guernsey show.’
Retired dairy farmer Peter Martel, 86, was watching the cattle competition classes with his wife, Nicky.
‘I’ve worked with cows all my life and they are nice cows [on show today],’ he said. ‘We like to come here to the show.’
