support, superb entries and with great weather saw the ninety-nine and a half ‘nearly but not quite’ Newton Abbot Christmas Show take place earlier this week.

The show, held at Higher Humber Farm, Bishopsteignton by kind permission of Geoff and Joe Lang, saw a great rural farming community turnout, with visitors and spectators attending to experience the atmosphere and be part of this truly unique annual spectacle.

With plenty of space and a mainly outdoor event the committee were confident that the show would continue, and for this year kick off what will be a smaller show circuit with Kingsbridge (Dodbrooke) Fatstock Show next and then Dartmouth Fatstock show to wrap up 2021.

‘Under the circumstances there was a really strong entry of 11 cattle and 53 sheep, including 14 sheep entered for the Live and Carcass competition,’ said honorary show secretary Jonathan Bell.

‘They were all competing for numerous trophies with the added bonus of cash prizes for the Show Champion and Reserve Champions for cattle and sheep which had been kindly sponsored by WBW Solicitors.

Additionally special prize for Local Cattle Champion kindly sponsored by Cornish Mutual Insurance and the Young Farmers special prize kindly sponsored by Mr M Churchward.

This years cattle judging was conducted by Mr Rodney Cleave from Denbury He awarded the Supreme Championship to Mr SB Trant of Dittisham for his halter-led Limousin cross heifer, with Chloe Quantick, of Teigngrace clinching Reserve with her halter-led British Blue cross steer.

The sheep section was a tribute to the exhibitors with the quality on show as agreed by judges John and Matt Crooke of Sandford, Crediton.

Champion of the day was won by Louise Elworthy from Crockernwell with her continental pair of Beltex lambs and most points in the open sheep classes being awarded to Gwen Renfree of Liskeard with her native pair of lambs with the best pair of local sheep being awarded to Louise Elworthy.

The Champion lamb carcass was this year won by JJ and NA Bell from Diptford for a heavy weight (47kg) Beltex cross while the Reserve Champion went to F Janes and Son from Moretonhampstead for their medium weight (43kg) Beltex cross lamb. Judging was conducted by Richard and Caroline Haddock of Churston Farmshop who kindly supplied the refrigerated lorry for the exhibition.

Not just a traditional primestock show the Christmas show also includes additional classes such Roots, Cereals, Hay and Silage with over 55 entries all kindly judged by Chris Hoey from East Ogwell, Newton Abbot with special prizes going once again G and J Lang for their three swedes and the Challenge cup for the outstanding exhibition in the root and cereal section.

Once again Newton Abbot Young Farmers turned out in support with strong entries in their classes with their current chairman Josh Quant sweeping the board and winning the Challenge Cup for the highest aggregate of points in the YFC classes.

Rodney Cleave of Denbury was the chief judge of this year’s YFC Cattle and Sheep Stockjudging being hotly contested with ultimately both the Beef and Lamb judging being won by Josh Quant.

Exhibitors of the Future in the YFC classes was a family affair, being won by Master Archie Elworthy, his sister Megan coming a very close second with their hedgerow in a welly boot.

‘The show committee would like to thank all those who help with the event to make it a success,’ continued Jonathan.

‘This includes all the exhibitors, judges, visitors, and the local businesses who so generously sponsor the show, contributing to another wonderful event after all these uncertain times.

‘Now with the future of the show back on track, every effort is being made for the 2022 show to be our one hundredth Centenary Show and the committee look forward to welcoming everyone on November 28, 2022 to help celebrate this fantastic event.’