SOCIETY NEWS | 157
UKHY still strong With a number of opportunities for young handlers this summer at shows across the county, UK Hereford Youth looks to increase activity in 2022. The year was a challenging one with the current pandemic restrictions not easing, but that hasn’t stopped UK Hereford Youth and its members participating in events or young handler competitions when allowed. It was a slow start to the year but by mid-summer the show season was well away. This was a great opportunity for our members to get their white coats on and fly the flag for the breed. It has been a successful year on the show front with members taking the young handler championships at Devon County Show and Great Yorkshire, with representation high in all age categories. At each of the
few other shows that were staged at least two young members were present. This kept a continuous spotlight on our youth group. The skill and competency shown by all our members across all young handler events was not to be missed and certainly got other breeds talking. Making new friends is not easy in the current climate but that didn’t stop the Irish Hereford Breed Society reaching out. UK Hereford Youth had a wonderful, online meeting where the Irish Society discussed their own youth group and future plans. Part of this discussion was focused around the re-naming of their programme. Ownership was given and each member had to choose an already presented name through votes. They settled on Next Gen Herefords, and UK Hereford Youth looks forward to meeting up with them in the coming months. Part of the UKHY programme is to inspire and educate the next generation and educate not only already existing breeders but new ones too. Membership has still been growing and this was evident at the recent HCBA Christmas
calf show which witnessed the highest ever number of young breeders actively taking part in the young handler’s section. It was amazing to see and the ability they demonstrated in keeping inexperienced cattle quiet was a credit to themselves and the breed. Next year sees events already scheduled. There will be the annual workshop where members are invited to come along, learn new skills, meet new and old friends and learn about our breed. November will see UK Hereford Youth’s first ever charity ball. This will be a night of fun, fancy clothes and fundraising. Please keep your eyes peeled for further details on these events. We enter 2022 yet again in uncertain times. However, one thing is for certain: UK Hereford Youth is an ever-growing membership of talented, driven and highly motivated group of individuals who will continue to learn under our more senior members, not only thriving but developing our breed and taking it places for future generations to come.
