ARTISAN butcher Robert Unwin, owner of Lake District butcher’s shop Roast Mutton, is helping support North West Auction Mart’s Young Handler’s Competition 2021-22.

As with previous years this highly-regarded contest gives young farmers aged 26 years and under, in South Lakeland, the opportunity to develop their overall stockmanship and farming business skills.

Each participant buys cattle in person at the autumn sales, then rears them during the winter months, before then selling them on in the spring sales, which this year will be held at the Crooklands Auction Mart on April 28

Competition classes include: Gross Profit Margin, Highest Average Live Weight Gain, Presentation & Handling Skills, Best Female Animal,Best Male Animal.

Robert Unwin commented: ‘’Events like the young handlers’ overwintering competition provide an excellent opportunity for the next generation to increase their livestock business knowledge through direct competition with their peers. As a butcher who specialises in locally sourced quality produced meats it is essential that we encourage young people to examine every aspect of farming from an early age, particularly when it comes to encouraging the exploration of the commercial side of farming.”