Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club

Dyfed Club able to meet again

Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club was able to carry out some of their usual activity, including the Pembrokeshire Show

The year 2021 is another to forget but there were a few highlights and members were lucky to be able to keep in touch, discuss society matters and organise events via Zoom meetings. Paul Griffiths was quiz master for an online entertaining quiz which was won by the James family of the Cleddau herd, the final score helped along by Eifion’s knowledge of Tractor Ted. Eifion also received a Blue Peter badge when he wrote to the programme telling them all about his Herefords and how much he enjoys looking after them. Everyone was excited that the Pembrokeshire County Show was going ahead and the show committee must be congratulated for their wonderful effort. Club members must be thanked for supporting the show with six herds present. The judge was Mathew Gray of Herefordshire-based Buckenhill Herefords and he selected Beca 1 Tinkerbell from Joseph Twose as his champion and Bowendu 1 Viagra from L and L Bowen in reserve. The cow class was won by Glenvale 1 Polly 617 from the Thorne family. A few members travelled further afield to different shows with very pleasing results and cattle sales have also been good throughout the year. In July, Ian, Susan and Eifion James of the Cleddau herd hosted the AGM. It rained all afternoon but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit. The family provided a first class lunch which was thoroughly Supporters at Pembrokeshire Show

enjoyed by everyone. The meeting was held after lunch with Russell Howells elected chairman and Paul Griffiths as vice-chairman, with the secretary and treasurer re-elected. During the meeting it was announced that Studdolph Herefords had won Wales herd of the year judged by Gerald Blandford with Bowendu and Santa Maria herds joint second and the Hean herd third.

Following the meeting, members ventured out to see the Cleddau herd which was a joy to see and very chilledout enjoying the attention. Later that afternoon, the club was invited by Tony Cadogan to visit the Newshipping herd just a few miles down the road. This herd again was well worth seeing and a credit to the owner. Members were grateful to be given the opportunity to view these lovely herds. During the society’s annual dinner in Shrewsbury it was announced that the Studdolph herd won the National Herd of the Year 2021 judged by Pat Stanley, which was a great honour for them. In November the club’s annual dinner was held at the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen when the winners of the Dyfed herd competition were announced the judge this year John James from Llandovery.

Herd competition results

Overall herd, E Rees, Trefochlyd

Large herd, 1st, E Rees Trefochlyd; 2nd, L and L Bowen, Bowendu; 3rd, Tony Vasami, Santa Maria

Small herd, 1st, Eifion James, Cleddau; 2nd, Joseph Twose, Beca; 3rd, Tom Roderick, Brangwyn

Best new herd in last three years, Nigel Owens, Mairwen

Best stock bull, 1st, E Rees, Dendor 1 Tennents Extra; 2nd, L and L Bowen, Solpoll 1 Trailblazer

Best home-bred cow and calf, 1st, Tom Roderick, Brangwyn 1 Nova; 2nd, Joseph Twose, Beca 1 Rosie

Best home-bred bull calf, 1st, L and L Bowen, Bowendu 1 Viagra; 2nd, Nigel Owens, Mairwen 1 Ulster