14th September 2007

HOME BRED CATTLE TAKE TOP WELSH BLACK TITLES OF 2007

It is a case of ‘like father like son' as Dancoed Cymro 13 th follows in his sire's footsteps to take the title Welsh Black Cattle Society (WBCS) Bull of the Year 2007.

Accompanying him in the honours is Crymlyn June 3 rd , the WBCS Female of the Year 2007.

The annual competition was cut short because of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Surrey , but the Society's Council decided the competition's outcome could be decided based on the six shows which had already taken place.

“The six shows did include the two Royal shows, both of which carry double points,” said WBCS Chief Executive, Andrew James.

“Therefore front runners have been identified and rewarded for their loyalty and eagerness to compete in the early shows which started in North Wales with Nefyn on the May Day Bank Holiday.”

Twenty-seven month-old Dancoed Cymro 13 th (born 2/04/05) is no stranger to awards having won the bull championships in the breed's classes at this summer's Royal and Royal Welsh Shows.

His show ring prowess also earned him maximum points at the Cothi Bridge and Aberystwyth Shows, which gave him an overall show season total of 54 points. He also receives the NatWest bronze bull for the animal with the highest overall points.

Sired by Seisiog Cymro 61 st – who won the Bull of the Year title in 2003 and 2004 – the young bull was bred and exhibited by Gwynfryn and Marian Phillips, Dancoed, Cwm Gwaen, Fishguard who established their Dancoed herd of pedigree Welsh Blacks in 1992.

But Dancoed Cymro 13 th won't be staying at home for long as he is to be sold at the WBCS sale at Llandovery on October 11 th . He is being sold as his siblings in the herd are due for breeding.

First Reserve in the bull competition is another Pembrokeshire animal, Synfi Cerwyn, who amassed 44 points.

Born 2/04/04 he was bred and exhibited by Gareth, Diane and Aled James of Bernards Well Isaf, Tufton, Clarbeston Road near Haverfordwest, he achieved one champion placing, three reserve, three first prizes and two second from five shows.

Second Reserve is Rhyddid Kaiser (born 20/03/06) who won 16 points from four shows. The 16 month-old's points were generated from one first prize, two second, and a third along with two reserve bull championship titles.

Bred and exhibited by Mrs Lyn Foxwell, Tyddyn Rhyddid, Harlech, Gwynedd – who established her Rhyddid herd of pedigree Welsh Black in 1999 – he's a bull worth looking out for in 2008.

With 37 points from five shows, Crymlyn June 3 rd (born 24/04/04) is the WBCS Female of the Year.

The in-calf heifer was bred and exhibited by mother and daughter team, Christine and Heather Carberry, Maple Crest, New Inn, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, whose Crymlyn herd of pedigree Welsh Black is celebrating its 40 th anniversary.

The home-bred heifer won three firsts, a second, two female championships and one reserve female championship over the season. The Carberrys are no strangers to the competition, their senior cow, Graig Goch Meriel 13 th having taken the first reserve title on 2004 and 2006.

The First and Second Reserve positions go to maiden heifer Synfi Ceridwen and in-calf heifer Synfi Gweno 4 th from loyal show exhibitors and First Reserve bull breeders Gareth, Diane and Aled James whose Synfi herd was established in 1999.

Born 5/03/05 Synfi Ceridwen collected 28 points from five shows, winning four firsts, a second and two reserve female championships.

Synfi Gwenno 4 th (born 7/03/04 ) gained 26 points from five shows including a first, four seconds, and the female championship at the Royal Show.

The competition was kindly sponsored by NatWest Bank c/o Wales regional agricultural manager Martin Doyle.

The cash prize comprises of £500 to be divided between the six winners. The highest placed male and female at each of the shows also receives a glass trophy – in the event of an animal winning in more than one show only the first win receives the trophy, the award thereafter going to the next placed animal at the show.