THE farmers of the future have been recognised for their agricultural skills in west Dorset.

The Melplash Agricultural Society's annual young farmers stock judging competition took place at Higher Sturthill Farm in Shipton Gorge. Young farmers from Marshwood Vale, Beaminster, Ilminster, Sherborne and Puddletown clubs all attended the event, hosted by permission of Andrew and Helen Fry.

The judge for the evening was farmer David Sayer from Cannington near Bridgewater in Somerset.

Mr Sayer had a dairy of pedigree Ayrshire cows until he gave up milking 10 years ago. He now breeds Ayrshire heifers, keeps beef cattle and has 100 ewes. He also visits farms and livestock markets, clipping cattle in preparation for sale. A young farmer himself in the past, Mr Sayer is still actively involved in the YFC movement. He is president of Bridgewater YFC and a field officer in Sedgemoor YFC.

The aim of the stock judging competition is to develop an interest and skill level of stock assessment in young people and this generation of farmers

Mr Sayer said: “Good stock judging skills are increasingly important in livestock farming.

"If you don’t know the good and bad points of an animal you won’t be able to breed or buy stock well.

"Overall, I was impressed with the calibre and knowledge of the youngsters – in particular the way they presented their observations and choices to me. These are all good skills for building their confidence for the future life, whether they continue their career in farming or not. ”

Working in teams of two, the young farmers were tasked to assess four dairy Holstein cows and to place the cattle in order of merit as to their suitability for milk production and breeding. They then had to present their reasons to the judge to justify their placings.

In the juniors category, Jasper Love and Henrietta Love from Sherborne YFC won first place and won the Melplash Agricultural Society junior shield.

Shaunna (corr) Knight and Luke Johnston from Marshwood Vale YFC took first place in the intermediates category, with Lucy Wallbrige and James Wallbridge from Beaminster YFC in second place. Ben Batstone and Harry Dibble from Ilminster YFC took third place.

Toby Wonnocott and Henry Cox from Puddletown YFC took first place in the seniors category and the Francis W Hunt Perpetual Challenge Cup, ahead of Lucy Milne and Michael Crabb from Beaminster YFC.

Jasper Love was also named best newcomer, while Shaunna Knight was recognised as the highest placed individual.