A TYNEDALE-BRED Limousin cross heifer stole the show at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, after being crowned supreme beef champion.

Winning heifer, 18-month-old iCandy, was bred by Whitley Chapel farmer Michael Lee, of Harwood Shield and sold at Hexham Mart’s 2018 March store cattle show and sale for £1,600. She went to Welsh farmer Messrs Edwards, the judge on the day, who then turned her out to perfection, and has since entered iCandy in the Royal Welsh Show, where the heifer fielded reserve commercial champion, and Merioneth County Show where she was named supreme champion.

“She’s always drawn a lot of attention,” Michael said, “because she’s exceptionally thick and stylish. She was sired by my Limousin bull Widdrington Jackpot, whilst her dam is half Belgian Blue.”

Michael has been keeping up with iCandy’s success ever since he sold her, and even tuned in to a Welsh TV channel to watch the moment she fielded the supreme title.

“Mr Edwards rang to let me know we could watch the show on Sky.” Michael said. “It was quite an emotional moment actually, and it’s not everyday that you see your livestock on the TV. It’s always nice to know that the animals you’ve sold have go on to do well for someone else.”

“iCandy’s mother is due to give birth again in April with calves sired once again by Widdrington Jackpot, so we’re excited to see what the turn out will be like.”

iCandy, weighing 672kg, sold for £6,600 to Arwyn Morgan, who was one of the judges at the show.