225TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH PROPOSED

2024 is the 225th Anniversary of the first Smithfield Show held at the Dolphin Yard at Wootton's Livery Stables adjacent to Smithfield market on the first Monday of December 1799. 2024 also marks 20 years since the final London show at Earl's Court.

Members at Drumlanrig Castle in 2018

We are therefore proposing holding a lunch at the end of November or early December (provisional dates are Nov 28-29 or Dec 2-6) for Members to gather and no doubt reminisce on old times - perhaps with a speaker. Is this something you would be interested in being part of? And, if so, what would you prefer as location - suggested venues are either York, London or Midlands.

Members Country Meeting 2018 at Drumlanrig Castle

Trustees very much hope this is of interest and look forward to hearing from you. Further details to follow in due course. RSVP by 31st March to richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk.

2024 COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE

2024 RASC (Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth) Conference

  • Early Bird discount ends 31/01

  • Apply for Next Gen bursary by 21/01
     

As the excitement builds for this unique gathering of agricultural minds, we want to remind you that the early bird registration discounts will be ending on Wednesday 31st January, 2024. This is your final opportunity to secure your spot at a reduced rate and ensure your participation in a week of inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and networking. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of an event that brings together some of the finest speakers, sessions, and topics from across the Commonwealth. To secure your tickets, please visit www.therasc.com or click HERE.

The Club is offering a £750 bursary for someone aged 25-40 to attend the RASC Conference as a Next Generation delegate. Please click HERE for further information or contact Club Secretary Richard Saunders richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk

RASC CONFERENCE JUNE 2024 - BURSARY AVAILABLE

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH (RASC)

NEXT GENERATION DELEGATE – RASC CONFERENCE 20-27 JUNE 2024

 

The Royal Smithfield Club aims to support a Next Generation (NG) delegate, aged 25-40, who would like to attend the forthcoming Commonwealth Agricultural Conference being held in Edinburgh, Scotland 20-27 June 2024.

RASC NG is a forum which brings together people under the age of 40 from across the globe, who share a common interest and passion for Agriculture.

We welcome applications from those interested in attending, and are offering a bursary of £750 as a discount towards conference fees. Please visit the RASC website (www.therasc.com) for background information and conference details. Indicative costs (incl VAT) are conference fees of £780 for a NG delegate plus 4 nights’ accommodation @ £119 per night totalling £1,256. NG delegates are to meet the remaining costs themselves including any travel expenses.

 

Provisional NG Timetable

·         Sunday 23 June: Conference Registration & Cocktail Reception. Afternoon - registration for the main conference followed by an evening cocktail reception

·         Monday 24 June: CEO and Next Generation sessions. A full day of activity followed by an informal dinner

·         Tuesday 25 June: CEO and Next Generation sessions continue. A morning session to reflect and discuss the learnings. Afternoon - main Conference starts

·         Wednesday 26 June: main Conference continues. RASC Gala Dinner

·         Thurs 27 June: main Conference concludes. Following the wrap-up session, delegates are invited to attend the 2024 RASC AGM

 

In the first instance, please email Club Secretary Richard Saunders (richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk) to request an application form or download it HERE.

Please note, applications close 21st January 2024.

WINTER 2023/24 CHAIRMAN'S BRIEFING

Please click HERE for a Briefing from Club Chairman Simon Orpwood as he reflects on the winter fair season and looks ahead to the Commonwealth Conference being held in Edinburgh during June 2024. He also extends an invitation to Members to attend the Annual Meeting of Club Members by Zoom on Weds 13th December 2023 commencing 5pm until 5.30pm. Further information from Secretary Richard Saunders E: richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

GREAT DISPLAY OF RIBS & SADDLES AT LIVESCOT

GREAT RIBS & SADDLES DISPLAY AT LIVESCOT

·         Matthew Currie - Champion Rib

·         Robert Laird - Lamb Champion


LiveScot, held at Lanark on Saturday 25 November, included the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions.

 Judge for the day was Dan Gilmour from Gilmour Butchers with the event supported by Quality Meat Scotland & John Scott Meats.

L-R John Scott (John Scott Meats), Jason Ward (John Scott Meats) Dan Gilmour judge (Gilmour Butchers), Matthew Currie (producer), Simon Orpwood (RSC Chairman) and Jamie Scott (John Scott Meats)

From strong classes of Native & Continental Ribs, the Champion was an Angus from Matthew Currie, Skewbridge, Mouswald, Dumfries. The Reserve championship was another Angus from Tom King. 

Lamb Saddles Display with Champion & Reserve as indicated

Taking home the Club trophy for best Saddle of Lamb from another strong entry of light and heavy lambs was Robert Laird, Cambwell, Biggar.

L-R John Scott (John Scott Meats), Jason Ward (John Scott Meats) Dan Gilmour judge (Gilmour Butchers), Robert Laird (producer), Simon Orpwood (RSC Chairman) and Jamie Scott (John Scott Meats)

Reserve Champion was R&M Struthers, Carluke.

Judge Dan Gilmour


Results

Continental Beef Rib

  1. Brian Capper

  2. Willie Purdon

  3. John Brown

Champion Rib H&M Currie

 

Native Beef Rib

1.    Matthew Currie (Champion)

2.    Tom King (Reserve Champion)

3.    McMillan

Reserve Rib - Tom King

 

Lamb Saddle (Light)

1.    D. McFadzean

2.    R&M Struthers

3.    R&B Dickie

RSC Perpetual Trophy for Champion Beef Rib

 

Lamb Saddle (Heavy)

1.    Robert Laird (Champion)

2.    R&M Struthers (Reserve Champion)

3.    George Whyte

The Club extends its grateful thanks and appreciation to Gordon Newlands of QMS and to John Scott Meats for their support. Thank you also to judge Dan Gilmour for officiating.

SMITHFIELD CENTRE-STAGE AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

SMITHFIELD CENTRE-STAGE AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

 

·         British Blue Team wins Duke of Norfolk Trophy

·         Herefords Reserve

·         Perrys of Eccleshall secure Beef Ribs Champion & Reserve

·         Greenfields take Saddle of Lamb Championship

·         Reserve Saddle goes to Stanedge Grange

·         RABI Single Lamb trophy to Madders & Johnson

 

The English Winter Fair, held on the weekend of 18-19 November 2023 at the Staffordshire County Showground, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd with a number of highlights involving competitions supported by the Royal Smithfield Club. 

The British Blue Team won the Duke of Norfolk Trophy

In the much-anticipated competition for the Duke of Norfolk Trophy, for the best group of three purebred animals, a packed ring on the Sunday saw seven breeds go head-to-head with the British Blues winning and the Herefords reserve.

Judge John Hall, Inglewood Edge, Penrith, Cumbria praised the winning trio as ‘an even, well-balanced group, very nicely matched.’ The winners comprised the junior heifer Brookley Blue Thumbelina from J Taylor together with two heifers from K Watret - Solway View Tesha and Solway View Sunlight.

Reserve Duke of Norfolk - the Hereford Trio

Standing reserve was the Hereford team of three steers: Pow from TG & EM Hart & Son, and Normanton 1 Woodonga & Normanton 1 Ant from TD & WT Livesey. Making the presentation was Geoff Burgess, Club President.

 

L-R Richard Saunders, Paul Sargeant, Steve Cartmail, Stephen Hill

The Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, with a record 28 entries across the two sections, was judged by Paul Sargeant of TG Sargeant & Sons, Bramshall, Uttoxeter, a family business comprising farming and butchery.

Champion Beef Rib

The Champion Beef Rib came from Perrys of Eccleshall with a Limousin-sired heifer from producer Steve Cartmail and presented by butcher Stephen Hill. The judge praised the winner for its ‘thickness of eye muscle and nice fat cover.’ Reserve Rib again went to Perrys with a Lim-cross steer from Simon Hamplett. The winning rib later sold for £390 in Bagshaws’ post-show auction with the reserve rib proceeds donated by Perrys to benefit family food boxes at Christmas.

 

L-R Ben Greenfield, Richard Saunders, Paul Sargeant

The Perpetual Lamb Saddle Trophy was awarded to Greenfields Farmers & Butchers with their 23kg Texel-cross described as having ‘great thickness of eye muscle and length’ by the judge. The reserve title went to Stanedge Grange Butchery with another Texel-sired lamb.

Champion Saddle of Lamb

 

Earlier on the Sunday, the Royal Smithfield RABI Single Butchers Lamb trophy judged by Antony Glaves was presented to Mary Madders of Madders & Johnson by Richard Saunders, RSC Secretary, and Kate Jones, RABI Regional Manager.

Part of the this year’s bumper entry!

 The Royal Smithfield Club extends its thanks to judges Paul Sargeant, John Hall and Antony Glaves, to carcase hall Stewards John Bradshaw & Antony Key, to all exhibitors, and all the team from the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society. 

RIBS & SADDLES RESULTS

Heifer Ribs

1.    880. Perrys of Eccleshall/Steve Cartmail Lim-cross – Overall Champion

2.    888. EW Coates/M Wynne Lim-cross

3.    881. Perrys of Eccleshall/Steve Cartmail Lim-cross

 

Steer Ribs

1.    885. Perrys of Eccleshall/Simon Hamplett Lim-cross – Overall Reserve

2.    889. G Maycock & Son Angus-cross

3.    886. Warrendale Wagyu Wagyu-cross

 

Lamb Saddles

1.    894. Greenfields Texel-cross

2.    890. Stanedge Grange Texel-cross

3.    897. M&C Morris

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT TURNOUT AT STARS OF THE FUTURE

The Royal Smithfield Club was again delighted to support the Young Handlers competition at this year's Stars of the Future which took place on the evening of Fri 10th November followed on the Saturday by the Stars of the Future Calf Show at United Auctions, Stirling. Open to ages 11-21, and judged by Teresa Wilson, there was a bumper turnout across all three age ranges.

Overall winner Lily Smith

This year’s Overall Winner was Lily Smith who was presented with the Club trophy by Rachael Wyllie, a Vice President of the RSC.

L-R judge Teresa Wilson, Lily Smith, Rachael Wyllie

Junior

1st - Lily Smith

2nd - Olly Patterson

3rd - Fletcher Russell

4th - Lexi Pattinson


Intermediate

1st - Chloe McEwan

2nd - Rachel Forbes

3rd - Sophie Adams

4th - Marcus Beresford 


Senior

1st - Finlay Souter

2nd - Sarah Hunter

3rd - Emma Stronach

4th - Sara Cheyne


Overall winner was Lily Smith.For further pictures and information, please search ‘Stars of the Future Calf Show’ on Facebook

STRONG SMITHFIELD SHOWING AT LIVESCOT

STRONG SMITHFIELD SHOWING AT LIVESCOT

David Dickinson Champion Beef Rib

Robert Frame takes Saddle of Lamb Championship

 LiveScot, held at Lanark on Saturday 26 November 2022, included the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions. Judge for the day was Jason Ward from John Scott Meats, Paisley with the event supported by Hugh Black & Sons Butchers & Quality Meat Scotland.

Beef Rib Championship Presentation

Nine beef ribs of very high quality were entered with the Champion coming from David Dickinson, Brookwoodlees Farm, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire with a 378kg Limousin-cross heifer grading R4L. David finishes about 650 cattle per year on his 480-acre, all-grass farm. The Reserve championship went to T & A Taylor, Heatheryhall Farm, Biggar with another Lim-cross heifer. 

Saddle of Lamb Championship presentation

 Taking home the Club trophy for best Saddle of Lamb from a strong entry of 15 was Robert Frame from J & J Frame & Co, Dyke Head Farm with a 27.9kg Texel-cross. Reserve Champion was Andrew Dunlop of Corstane Farm, Biggar with a 22.9kg Beltex.

Beef Ribs display with Louise Forsyth of The Scotch Butchers Club

 Results

Beef Rib

1.    David Dickinson

2.    T & A Taylor

 

Lamb Saddle

1.    J & J Frame & Co

2.    Andrew Dunlop

 The Club extends its grateful thanks to the following or all their efforts in making the event such a success: all the exhibitors for putting entries forward, Julie Wight and the Scottish Fatstock Club Committee, Hugh Black of Hugh Black & Sons Butchers, Gordon Newlands of QMS, Louise Forsyth of the Scotch Butchers Club, judge Jason Ward and RSC representative Andrew Gilmour.

2022 BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO ELIZABETH BUCHANAN

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO ELIZABETH BUCHANAN

Elizabeth Buchanan receiving the Bicentenary Trophy from Club President Geoff Burgess

Elizabeth Buchanan CVO, FRAgS has been awarded the prestigious Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of her outstanding contribution to British Agriculture. The presentation was made by Royal Smithfield Club President Geoff Burgess at the South of England Farming Conference held in Ardingley, West Sussex on Wednesday 16th November.

The Bicentenary nomination was put forward by Addington Fund CEO, Bill Young, together with Forage Aid Founder, Andrew Ward, and CEO of the Farming Community Network, Jude McCann.

“Elizabeth devotes her time to fight tooth and nail for British agriculture and we are truly in awe of what she continues to achieve for the livestock industry and agriculture in general. Most of this is done quietly and off the record and we consider her to be one of the great advocates for British farming and cannot think of a more deserving winner,” said Bill Young.

Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Presentation l-r Geoff Burgess RSC President, Elizabeth Buchanan recipient of award, Tom Gribble SEAS Trustee, Charles Burgoyne SEAS Chairman

Elizabeth is also a Trustee for The Prince’s Countryside Fund, a non-executive board member of DEFRA, a member of the BBC Rural Affairs Committee as well as working as an adviser to Waitrose and Dairy Crest. She also runs her family 200-acre organic pedigree cattle farm in Sussex.

The Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy is an annual award and, in keeping with tradition, is ‘sprung’ on the recipient without their prior knowledge. In making the presentation, RSC President Geoff Burgess said: “Elizabeth is hugely deserving of this award for her overall contribution to the UK livestock and meat industry and in recognition of the way she devotes herself to the cause of British agriculture in so many different ways.”

SMITHFIELD HIGHLIGHTS AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

SMITHFIELD HIGHLIGHTS AT ENGLISH WINTER FAIR 

  • ·         British Blue Team wins Duke of Norfolk Trophy

  • ·         Perrys of Eccleshall secure Beef Ribs Championship

  • ·         Joseph Morris take Saddle of Lamb Champion

  • ·         Coates & Wynne takes Reserve Rib award

  • ·         Reserve Saddle goes to Greenfields

  • ·         RABI Single Lamb trophy to The Goodwood Estate

 

The English Winter Fair, held on the weekend of 19-20 November 2022 at the Staffordshire County Showground, was once again a resounding success with many of its highlights involving competitions supported by the Royal Smithfield Club.

Phil Halhead and Duke of Norfolk line-up

The British Blue Team are Duke of Norfolk winners

 In the much-anticipated Duke of Norfolk Trophy, for the best group of three purebred animals, a large crowd on the Sunday witnessed six breeds go head-to-head with the British Blues winning and the Herefords in reserve. Judge Phil Halhead praised the winning trio as ‘a very correct and consistent group, very uniform in size and shape.’ The winners comprised the bull calves Maes Sancho and Maes Supernova from IP Jones together with Kevin Watret’s heifer Solwayview Secret. Standing reserve was the Hereford team. Making the presentation was Geoff Burgess, Club President.

Duke of Norfolk Runners-up Team Hereford

 

Beef Ribs Championship Presentation l-r Stephen Hill (Perrys of Eccleshall), Steve Cartmell (Producer), Carl Norton (Butcher), Richard Saunders (Club Secretary), Dave Morland (judge), Geoff Burgess (RSC President)

The Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, with a record dozen entries in each section, was judged by Dave Morland of Tebay Farm Shop & Services, Cumbria. The Champion Beef Rib came from Perrys of Eccleshall with a 24-month Limousin-sired heifer weighing in at 560kg liveweight from producer Steve Cartmell and presented by butcher Carl Norton. The judge described the winner as ‘full of meat, with marbling and nice fat cover.’ Reserve Rib went to Messrs Coates & Wynne.

Beef Rib winner Perrys of Eccleshall

Reserve Beef Rib - Messrs Coates & Wynne

 The Perpetual Lamb Saddle Trophy was awarded to Joseph Morris Butchers with their Beltex ewe lamb described as having ‘a full eye of meat and nice covering of fat’ by Mr Morland. The reserve title went to Greenfields. The winning entries made £320 and £200 respectively for charity in Bagshaws’ post-show auction.

Joseph Morris Butchers’ Champion Saddle of Lamb

Reserve Saddle from Greenfields Lamb

Earlier on the Sunday, the Royal Smithfield RABI Single Butchers Lamb trophy went to Nick Page of The Goodwood Estate, West Sussex with a Beltex x Texel with reserve a Texel-cross from G Bellfield, Cheshire. Presenting the award was Richard Saunders, RSC Secretary, and Kate Jones, RABI Regional Manager.

Judge Dave Morland (left) pictured with Club Trustee William Bedell

 The Royal Smithfield Club extends its thanks to judges Dave Morland & Phil Halhead, to carcase hall Stewards John Bradshaw & Antony Key, to all exhibitors, and all the team from the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society

 


SMITHFIELD COMPETITIONS AT LIVESCOT

Busy Smithfield Ribs & Saddles competitions at LiveScot 2021

The Scottish National Fatstock Club again hosts the two-day LiveScot event at Lanark Agricultural Centre Fri 25th to Sat 26th November. It incorporates a pedigree and commercial primestock show alongside the Royal Smithfield Club’s Beef Ribs and Saddles of Lamb competitions which is supported by Hugh Black Butchers & Quality Meat Scotland. Please click HERE for the schedule (Smithfield Ribs & Saddles p25) and HERE for the entry form (p15). Entries close 28 October.

Thanks again goes to Hugh Black Butchers & QMS for their continued support

SMITHFIELD RIBS & SADDLES FEATURE AGAIN AT EWF

The Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions will once again be a feature of the English Winter Fair being held Sat 19 to Sun 20 November 2022. Please click HERE for the schedule and HERE for the entry form. A highlight of the winter fatstock season, the English Winter Fair goes ahead at the Staffordshire Showground and includes the presentation of The Duke of Norfolk trophy, Young Farmers award and RABI trophy - all supported by the Club The Club’s Annual Meeting of Club Members will also take place at 2pm o the Sunday in the President’s Suite. See www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk

RASC NEWSLETTER

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH - MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER

Simon Orpwood

Welcome from Simon Orpwood, Honorary Press Secretary

It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her 70 year reign, she gave great support to our founder His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. We send our deepest Condolences to our President H.R.H. The Princess Royal and all the Royal Family as they mourn their loss and reflect on the remarkable legacy that she leaves behind.

Since the last newsletter, we have seen many shows here in the UK, and the EKKA in Queensland which was well attended and did a very good job of showing people where their food comes from. The Adelaide Show has just finished. Here in the UK, I attended the Border Union Ram Sale with a friend from Australia where 3,626 rams were sold in 15 rings simultaneously selling to an average of £1,000 per ram.

We have the Melbourne Royal Show taking place later this month (23/09-02/10), and I look forward to attending the Christchurch Show in New Zealand.

Border Union Ram Sale

RASC CEO Session

RASC CEO Session
On 26th August, we were delighted to be able to host a Zoom session for CEOs of agricultural show and fair societies from across the globe on the theme of ‘Back in Action for 2022 – Let’s Discuss’.
 
Open to both RASC members and non-members, this informal session was an opportunity to hear from four significant players within our show world and for an open discussion on how the past couple of years have been and the challenges and opportunities now facing such organisations.  Fascinating insights from Kent Hojem (Washington State Fair), Steve Hughson (Royal Welsh Agricultural Society), Terry Strachan (Royal Agricultural Society of Natal) and Darryl Jeffrey (Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales) led to some great questions and a definite recognition that the current issues (often relating to equipment supply and labour shortage problems) are very much a world-wide phenomenon.

 For those involved in producing some of the world’s top events, it is good to share concerns and hopefully provide contacts and insights that help support all involved in our rather specialist sphere. 
On a positive note, it was fabulous to hear that show and fair events are, by and large, seeing excellent attendance levels and the support of communities who are obviously delighted to see their return.

Michael Lambert (centre)

Showcasing Collaboration

Agri-Expo, who are Members of the RASC, were delighted to welcome the Honorary Secretary of the RASC, Michael Lambert, to the Western Cape last week. The RASC is the voice of agriculture in the Commonwealth working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and its associated bodies. Agri-Expo introduced Michael to some of their partners, showcasing examples of collaboration between Agri-Expo and the broader agricultural sector. A huge thank you to the Minister of Agriculture in the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, !Xhariep Agricultural Writers SA, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Groote Post Vineyards and Hoër Landbouskool Boland/Boland Agricultural School for their hospitality and partnership.

2022 Perth Royal Show

Taken at the 2022 Perth Royal Show

Taking place from 24th September right through until 1st October, the ever-popular Perth Royal Show is back. Spread across eight days, it will be the highlight event for Spring and offers a wealth of attractions, entertainment and quality of livestock and agriculture. From all at the RASC, we wish the team at Perth Royal Show a successful 2022 event. To learn more, head to their website using the link below:
https://perthroyalshow.com.au

Meet The Trustee - Simon Orpwood
What is your role within the RASC?
I am a Trustee and the Honorary Press Secretary for the RASC. I have been a trustee of RASC since 2010 and Press Officer since Philip Bolham retired 2012.
Tell us about your history and background...
I was born at Ewelme in South Oxfordshire where my family have farmed for many years. I went to school at Kingham Hill on the Oxfordshire-Gloucestershire border - a school which owned 3,000 acres of land. I was chairman of the school Young Farmers'. After school I went to Moulton Agricultural College, after which I came home and became vice chairman of Henley Young Farmers. In 1973, I went to Australia only meant to stay 6 months, but stayed 18 months! I travelled all over Australia, attending the Royal Easter Show in Sydney and the Melbourne Show. I spent two months in New Zealand where I attended the Christchurch Show.
I joined the Farmers' Club under 30s in 1969 and was on the under 30s committee. I also did 6 years on the main committee of the Farmers' Club. I spoke at the Oxford Farming Conference in 1982 - at the time the youngest person to speak.

When I came back from Australia I kept outdoor pigs on an arable farmers land. I was a founding director of Lys Mill company which made pig food. I married Caroline in 1982 and we bought a farm in Gloucestershire near her home. We moved to Northumberland in 1987 where we have two farms. I was master of the College Valley North Northumberland Hunt for 16 seasons.

We have 3 boys: our eldest is married with 2 boys and farms in the South Island of New Zealand; our second son helps with the farm property and works for an insurance broker; our third son is married and is an amateur jump jockey and his wife is an event rider.

Now, I am Trustee and Vice Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club - I have held quite a few chief steward positions. I was previously Vice Chairman of Glendale Agricultural Society and am now Vice President.

What does the RASC mean to you and why is it important?
The RASC is the most wonderful society to bring people together from around the Commonwealth and to learn from each other. The Next Generation group of the RASC has done so much to give young people an opportunity, and I look forward to seeing the future of the RASC.

To join or find out more about the RASC see www.therasc.com

RSC LENDS ITS SUPPORT TO STARS OF THE FUTURE

The Royal Smithfield Club is delighted to be supporting the Young Handlers competition at this year's Stars of the Future. The Young Handlers competition takes place Fri 11th November followed on the Saturday by the Stars of the Future Calf Show at United Auctions, Stirling. The YH competition is open to ages 11-21 and will be judged by Catherine McKechnie.

Saturday’s Calf Show gives an opportunity for many breeds to showcase up-and-coming pedigree youngstock with Aberdeen-Angus, British Blue, Charolais, Highland, Hereford, Limousin and Simmental calves as well as classes for Commercials and Any Other Breed. Entries close 21 October. To enter please click HERE.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

The Royal Smithfield Club is deeply saddened by the news of the death of our Patron Her Majesty The Queen. The Club was granted royal status in 1960 and has enjoyed a long association with the Royal Family, most recently with HRH The Countess of Wessex serving as Club President in 2019 and 2021.

Her Majesty The Queen meeting members of the Young Farmers Club in the cattle lines at the 1998 Bicentenary Royal Smithfield Show at Earls Court

 The Club was honoured that, in its Bicentenary Year 1998, Her Majesty graciously accepted the Presidency of the Club, the first occasion a reigning monarch had accepted the position.

 Her Majesty had a passion for livestock and was a great supporter of farming and rural life. Our thoughts and condolences are with members of the Royal Family.  

 

BICENTENARY AWARD - NOMINATIONS OPEN!

Terry Bayliss (centre) of Farmers Fresh pictured receiving the 2019 Bicentenary Trophy

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy, a national award to publicly recognise an individual's, or company’s, significant contribution for the overall benefit of the British Meat & Livestock Industry. Please click HERE for the nomination form which should be returned to the Club by the closing date of 16th September 2022. The winner, as selected at a committee meeting being held on Tuesday 27th September 2022, receives the Royal Smithfield Club's Bicentenary Perpetual Trophy of an Armada Dish set with 25 Golden Guineas.

 

RASC NEWSLETTER

Simon Orpwood, Honorary Liaison Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, reports…
”The Countryside is looking well here at the moment with lovely colours, all the stock are outside here now and the crops are looking well, too. We must congratulate Her Majesty the Queen for reaching 70 years on the Throne. We are all delighted that Aled Jones has been made Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society - I am sure Aled will take the RWAS forward. The show season is in full swing here in the UK, and everybody is glad to be out and about again meeting old friends. I attended the Border Union Children’s Day which 1,200 school children aged 9-12 attended. This was a very well-run day and hopefully they learnt something of where their food comes from and about the countryside. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM on Wednesday 29th June at the Royal Norfolk Show.”

2022 RASC AGM & Tour
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Ltd will be held at the Royal Norfolk Show Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT
at 12:30PM on Wednesday 29th June 2022. On Tuesday 28th June, the RASC will be holding a tour at the Food Enterprise Park and Honingham Thorpe Farms and Business Centre, followed by lunch at The Goat Shed kitchen and farm shop. The Greater Norwich Food Enterprise Zone encompasses the Royal Norfolk Showground, Easton Agricultural College, and the Food Enterprise Park (FEP). The FEP is owned by Honingham Thorpe Farms and the day will be based within a small area with interesting discussions and visits. The Tour and Lunch (including transport) will be charged at £50 per person. Please register your interest with Rebecca by Wednesday 8th June via email: rebecca@therasc.com.

Incoming RWAS Chief Executive Aled Jones

Congratulations Aled!
RASC is delighted by the news of the appointment of Aled Jones as the new CEO of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. Aled has been a Trustee of RASC for a number of years and has been one of our Next Generation Facilitators playing a key role in the development of that section of RASC. Aled has an enormous knowledge and wealth of experience of the Agricultural Show Society world and his Nuffield Scholarship Report into the role of Agricultural Societies and Shows was a landmark document which has huge relevance today as show societies grapple with the challenges post the Covid pandemic. Through his broadcasting skills Aled has been helping RASC improve its communication with members in particular with the start of a series of RASC Podcasts. RASC sends many congratulations to Aled and we look forward to working with him in his role as CEO of the RWAS.

For the latest RASC news, please click HERE or visit www.therasc.com

 

Professor Phil Garnsworthy Wins 2022 Sir John Hammond Award

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) has announced Professor Phil Garnsworthy as the recipient of the prestigious Sir John Hammond award 2022. The award was re-launched in 2021 in collaboration with the British Cattle Breeders Club (BCBC). Phil was presented with the Sir Richard Cooper trophy put forward by The Smithfield Forum  on Wednesday 13th April at the BSAS 2022 conference.

Phil Garnsworthy (right) receiving his award from Michael Lee at the BSAS Annual Conference

Phil Garnsworthy is a highly celebrated figure within the global animal science community for his extensive research and invaluable contribution to the field of animal production, having collaborated on a number of international research projects during his 41-year career. Currently the Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Nottingham, Phil also leads the AHDB Research Partnership on Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition. The main theme of his research is to optimise resource use and profitability of animal production systems, while reducing their environmental impact. A gifted scholar, Phil has authored and published more than 200 academic papers, to much acclaim from his fellow animal scientists and technologists, and in 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Leroy Fellowship, by the European Federation for Animal Science, for ‘an outstanding scientific contribution to Animal Production over a sustained period.’ 

‘I feel very honoured to be receiving the Sir John Hammond Award 2022. Although the award is made to me personally, the research is very much a team effort. I would like to acknowledge the many colleagues, postdocs, technicians, and PhD students that I have worked with over the years. Collectively, we have pushed back the frontiers of dairy science, and I accept the award on behalf of the whole team,’ Professor Garnsworthy said.

Highly selective, the Sir John Hammond Award is based solely on nominations and is awarded to those who have made significant contribution through research, teaching, knowledge exchange, breeding, farming industry or affiliated professions.

‘Phil’s extensive research and invaluable contribution to the field of animal production has identified him as a world-renowned leader in the animal sciences.  Alongside his incredible research career, Phil has also been an enormous supporter and inspiration to the next generation of animal scientists, having supervised more than 30 PhD students. Extremely generous with his time, Phil is often to be found sharing his expertise at various early career workshops and webinars, as he strives to give the animal scientists of the future, the foundation they need to flourish. The awarding of the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize demonstrates BSAS’ appreciation and recognition of all he has accomplished,’ added BSAS President, Professor Michael Lee.

This is a joint award with the British Cattle Breeders Club which Sir John Hammond founded in 1946. The Club aims to improve the breeding of livestock, by promoting knowledge through collecting, collating, and distributing available information and data if practical and scientific interest, to breeders of cattle at home and overseas.