Sutherland Agricultural Show deemed great success
IF the committee of Sutherland Agricultural Society, and their hard-working group of volunteers, ever wondered if the effort that goes into organising a show is worthwhile, they received a resounding vote of confidence on Saturday, when a record number of people voted with their feet, creating almost a carnival atmosphere within the Dornoch Links showground.
The strength of all shows will be measured by the number and the quality of the livestock on show, and on Saturday both of these yardsticks were easily met. Despite falling numbers of sheep, numbers this year kept apace with previous years.
One pleasing aspect was the increase in cattle numbers, which at just under 100, was a record.
However, whilst delighted with this, the show committee will recognise that they enjoyed great support, not only from south of Sutherland, but on Saturday, from Caithness, which will be somewhat diluted next year because the cycle of clashing of dates comes round again.
Whilst disappointing for the Sutherland Show committee, from soundings I took on Saturday, it will also be a frustration for a number of Caithness exhibitors and supporters, who were fulsome in their praise of the event – “such a super show and showground”; “a great atmosphere”; “friendly rivalry”; “few shows can have such a fine setting and be so spectator friendly”; “surely some solution to the clash of dates can be found” were typical of the comments I received.
But, of course, a fine setting on a fine day do not on their own guarantee a successful show. There has to be attractions, and on Saturday, apart from the spectacle of excellent livestock, there really was something for everyone, be it the events taking place in the ring, the diverse range of commercial exhibitors and information outlets, the beauty and grace of horses of all types being put through their paces, and not forgetting the dog show, some obedient, some disobedient, some cantankerous, some placid, but at the end of the day, whatever their trait, they still remain ‘man’s best friend’.
There was both a vintage car and vintage tractor and implement display and parade, held separately this year because of the increasing number of exhibits coming forward.
One person I must applaud is Brian Ross, from Gruinards, who, as he did last year, gave a demonstration showing the relationship that has to be developed firstly, between man and collie, and then both with sheep, in order for shepherds to exert their authority.
Brian’s lucid commentary was both excellent and instructive. This all helps increase the public’s understanding of the work of crofting and farming
All of this was augmented by the stirring strains of the Ardross Pipe Band.
A special mention must also go to the many people who support and exhibit in the handicrafts and the flower and vegetable sections. Their time and effort often remains unheralded, but is greatly appreciated by both the committee and the public.
For many, of course, the highlight of an agricultural show is the judging of the livestock, and this year there was the added interest in the choice of judges. Katherine Marr, a former national chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, is the show’s livestock convenor, and she suggested to the show committee that they seek their judges from a younger age group.
She told me: “During my time as chair of the young farmers, I met a great number of very knowledgeable young people who were very clued up on stock. They have to be nowadays because of the various schemes, regulations and the emphasis on quality and welfare.”
In the event, the show’s faith in the young generation, all were under 40, was vindicated, given the comments I heard from judging pens.
Afterwards I spoke to two of the youngest judges. David Moir of Home Farm, Cairness, Fraserburgh, at 16, was the youngest. David was one of the sheep judges, and he should know a thing or two about sheep given his family have 750 sheep, as well as 200 cows, on the family farm.
He said: “I was both surprised and delighted to get the invitation. Although I take part in young farmers’ stockjudging competitions, I have never done any formal judging like today. I was slightly nervous before judging started, but once I was in the ring with the sheep, I felt more at home.”
He was also pleased at the comments he received from the exhibitors who congratulated him on both his knowledge and his choice of winners. David, who has just left school, works on the farm along with his parents, grandfather and his 18-year-old brother William, who also judged in the cattle section.
Eighteen-year-old Farquhar Renwick of Lochbroom was also a sheep judge. He works on the family farm where they run 1800 ewes. His father, Scott, is a regular supporter of the Lairg ram sale.
Farquhar told me it was the first time he had done any formal judging. “I just loved it,” he said. “The invitation came as a complete surprise because it is not often we get such a chance at our age, and I am very grateful for such a show of faith in the younger generation.” Farquhar also thanked the exhibitors for their generous comments.
And so to the outcome of the stock judging. Pride of place must go to Mark and Debby Munro of J Munro & Son, Invercharron Farm, Ardgay, whose 10-month-old home-bred British Blue heifer, Kiss My..., out of a home-bred limousin cow, took the supreme show champion of champions accolade.
In so doing, this fine heifer made it a trinity of champion of champion awards, having also triumphed at both the Caithness and Latheron shows, recently.
Mark and Debby were clearly delighted with the outcome. “A lot of work and effort, mostly unseen, goes into achieving this kind of success, and today is the icing on the cake, making it very worthwhile,” said Debby.
The reserve overall show champion award went to a lowground North Country Cheviot home-bred ewe lamb from George Cormack, Wester, Dunnet, Caithness. This lamb was also awarded the sheep interbreed title, earlier in the day.
Badanloch Estate took the North Country Cheviot sheep hill farmers award with a two-shear tup.
Rosemary Cameron of Portskerra took the North Country Cheviot hill crofters award with a two-year-old gimmer. All in all, it was a very successful day for Rosemary who went home with four firsts, a second and a third, gained all in the sheep section.
In the horse section, the overall champion was the Shetland champion, Hools Janet, shown by Kelly Peace from Orkney. A five-year-old Clydesdale mare shown by Eric and Miranda Johnstone took the reserve championship.
And now to the hen, the poor hen who has been the butt of much criticism throughout the years. Aren’t we told that every hen dies in debt?
Well, I’m not so sure that comment is still valid – given the number of “Eggs for sale” signs we notice in the countryside these days.
Whatever, hens and poultry are making a comeback and for the second year running there was a poultry section.
It is only when you get close to them that you notice the colour and the intricate design of their feathers.
The overall poultry champion was a two-year-old Australorp bantam cock shown by 14-year-old Alistair McCarthy of Mey.
This same bantam was also the overall poultry champion at the Caithness Show, and came second at this year’s Scottish Poultry Championship in Lanark.
Alistair told me the keeping and breeding of bantams is a family interest. “We have 30 bantams at home of various breeds and ages,” he said.
“It involves a lot of work because they have to fed and cleaned, but it is an enjoyable interest.”
The reserve overall poultry champion was an 18-month-old modern game bantam, shown by 13-year-old Ilona Burns of Evanton.
“I have an interest in poultry, and I keep around 25 birds,” she said. “They are fed a diet of pellets and corn.”
In the Taste of the Wilderness marquee I caught up with two of the many exhibitors.
Matthew Zeitzunit of Elphin is the fish health compliance officer with Wester Ross Scottish Salmon which has three farms in the Ullapool area, a smolt production at Elphin and a processing unit in Dingwall.
“We produce 100 tonnes of salmon a year, all hand-reared meeting the highest welfare standards,” Matthew told me.
“Our business is mainly export-focused with a strong emphasis on the USA and far east outlets.”
The firm employs 30 people on the fish farms, 12 people in its process unit and a further 10 support staff.
In a fish tank I noticed a small fish-like creature swimming about.
Matthew explained this was a wrasse which eats the sea lice off the skin of salmon, otherwise the lice will damage the skin.
Ever having a sweet tooth, I was drawn to the Kilted Fudge Company which is based in Aviemore.
Chris Lewis told me that he and a partner started the company in 2014 to fill what they saw was a gap in the market.
Today the firm produces fudge in 60 flavours. It sells its products through a number of outlets and markets.
Chris said: “An event like this is an ideal place to show the public what we have on offer, and we are grateful for the opportunity.”
It is strange that in a show report the word “rain” has not been mentioned, and that’s because there was no rain, which must have greatly pleased the show committee after all their endeavours.
There were also other aspects of the show that greatly pleased president Ewen Cameron.
“I was delighted to hear so much praise for our decision to go with a younger generation of judges,” he said.
“Their decisions were accepted by everyone, and they in turn gave us a compliment by their immaculate dress code. They all were a credit to their generation.”
Ewan was also fulsome in his praise of the hard-working committee and the loyal band of volunteers who erect the site, and start dismantling it as soon as the show is over.
“Without that loyalty, the support of all our exhibitors, the trade stands and the general public, our show would not be what it is today,” he said.
