THE next generation of Cumbrian farmers is being encouraged to enter a new competition at this year’s Borderway Agri Expo.

Harrison & Hetherington has launched ‘The David Allen Stockperson of the Year competition, taking place at this year’s autumn showcase on Friday, October 29, aimed at the industry’s next generation.

The competition will test the skills, knowledge and capabilities of the progressive livestock farmer in an ever-changing industry.

Run in conjunction with David Allen Accountants, the British Charolais Cattle Society (BCCS), Carbon Metric, the North of England Mule Sheep Association (NEMSA) and Young Farmers, the competition will see entrants put through their paces across a spectrum of stockmanship fields throughout four competitive classes.

Entries are invited in pairs from anyone aged between 12 and 26 years, however, you must be an active member of a Young Farmers Club to be eligible. Competitors will be required to demonstrate the insight and attributes required to manage livestock and an understanding of managing carbon outputs.

Cash prizes will be up for grabs for first, second and third places. The overall winners will also be presented with a special trophy.

Laura Millar, Livestock Scheme Manager and Fieldperson at H&H, said: “As a young person myself working within the livestock industry, I was really keen to add something to Agri Expo that emphasised the next generation. The industry is evolving at such a pace, and it is more important than ever for farmers to be forward-thinking and proactive.”

With the competition taking place throughout the day, Class 1, sponsored by NEMSA, will be a test of stock judging and will require competitors to place animals in the correct order as determined by the judge. Class 2, sponsored by BCCS, will challenge their knowledge of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) with competitors being asked to select a breeding bull for a given scenario based on four sets of EBVs. Class 3 will be a Carbon Challenge, sponsored by Carbon Metrics, and will be a Q&A on how a farm can become carbon neutral. Finally, Class 4 will see each pair value four different grades of stock — store animals, calves, prime lambs and breeding sheep.

Entries for the ‘The David Allen Stockperson of the Year’ competition will be taken on the day.