TYNEDALE’s young farmers competed last week for the Hexham Courant trophy at Hexham Mart’s Christmas prize show and sale.

Hexham farmer, 25-year-old Gemma Common, of Low Ardley, scooped the title of Young Farmers Champion with her shapely Limousin cross heifer, which went on to sell for £1,349 to Mr J Higginson of Castle Bank Butchers.

“It’s the second home-grown beast I’ve won with,” Gemma said. “It always feels like a great achievement when you win with a animal you’ve reared yourself, and put all the effort into.”

The class of four was judged by respected Yorkshire farmers John Mellin and Clare Cropper of Skipton.

Gemma, who is a member of Whitley Chapel Young Farmers Club (YFC), said she hoped more young farmers from the region would compete in future.

“The show is a great way to meet other young farmers in the area,” Gemma said. “But also a great way to gain some experience in the ring.”

Gemma works on the family’s beef and sheep farm with her farther Edward, who she said took some convincing to let her rear the winning heifer until the winter competition.

“She was due to be sold in October at 18 months old,” Gemma said.

“But I managed to persuade him I could win with her.

“If I can convince him to let me rear another heifer for the show next year – then I’ll definitely compete again.”

Twenty-two-year old Michael Hall of Barker House, also a member of Whitley Chapel YFC, was awarded runner-up for his home-grown Limousin cross heifer, which he went on to sell for £1,064.

Michael is a regular competitor in the annual Christmas show, and took home the champion title at last year’s show.

“The show is always something I look forward to every year,” Michael said.

“I was happy coming runner-up, and with the price the beast went on to sell for, so it was a good day all round.”

Other winners of the day included Philip Robson, of Middle Horsleyhope, Waskerley, who won the championship title in the cattle pre-sale show for his red Limousin cross steer.

Reserve champion went to M/s Rochester & Murray, of Glebe Farm, Tow Law for their Limousin cross heifer.

M/s Beveridge, of Low West House, Low Tor took home the Robson & Cowan Trophy and championship rosette for their pen of five Beltex cross sheep, which which entered the ring weighing 37kg. The pen was released to Jamie Curle of Vivers ScotLamb for £120.