15 June 2004
Welsh Black Cattle make a winning return
Welsh Black Cattle Society members turned out in force to support the Aberystwyth and Ceredigion County Show, the first time cattle have been in the show's ring since 2000.

There were excellent entries in the Welsh Black Cattle Section, while Wales' native cattle breed also took top honours in the Interbreed Section.

The champion Welsh Black bull was Seisiog Cymro 61 st bred by Goronwy Jones of Nebo, Llanrwst, and champion female was Eirianfa Ebrill which was bred and exhibited by Alan, Eirian and Caryl Griffiths of Llangybi, Lampeter.

While in the Interbreed section Seisiog Cymro 61 st took the champion bull title, and Welsh Black reserve female champion Caerynwch Gladys 43 rd bred by Mr TW Williams of Dolgellau took the Interbreed female champion title. The champion group of three award went to Ken Hughson of Newbridge on Wye with Gravel Andrew, Caerynwch Gladys 43 rd and Gravel Jenna.

The Aberystwyth Show is also the first qualifying show in the Society's prestigious ‘Bull and Female of the Year' competition, which this year takes on extra importance as the Society is celebrating its centenary.

Welsh Black breeders will ‘do battle' throughout the summer in pursuit of the illustrious titles which are decided on the results of 17 specific shows – the Royal Welsh, the Royal of England, seven shows each in north and south Wales, and the borders event, the Shropshire and West Midland Show which takes place on June 26.
Sponsored by NatWest through Martin Doyle, the bank's Regional Agricultural Manager Wales & Borders, the competition is run on an aggregate points system with the highest points collected from the top eight shows determining the winners.

Male & female champions – 6 points, reserve champions – 4 points, 1 st place – 3 points, 2 nd – 2 points, 3 rd – 1 point, placings at both Royal Shows receive double points.

Winners of the overall male and female rewards receive cash prizes ( 1 st - £150, 2 nd - £60, 3 rd - £40) which are awarded at the Society's annual general meeting each May. Also during each show the highest placed male and female receive a NatWest silver spoon.

“An animal can only win one spoon during the show season, hence a possibility of 17 females and 17 bulls receiving a silver spoon for their exhibitors,” said Andrew James, WBCS Chief Executive, who said entries already received for shows indicate a “great response to the competition.”

“At Aberystwyth we had 15 entries, and at Cothi Bridge – while not a qualifying show – we received 19 entries, so it all bodes well for our centenary year competition,” he added.

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