Farm college takes stock of skills

BISHOP Burton College is preparing to host its 50th annual stockmanship competition, the longest running college event of its kind in the country.

It will be held at the college, near Beverley, on Saturday, April 9, and feature sheep, dairy and beef classes as well as an equine section.

It will be judged by experienced showmen and industry representatives.

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Agriculture lecturer Helen Martin said: “The stockmanship competition is designed to show learners exactly what is involved in getting an animal ready for show whether they are from a livestock, arable or non-farming background. They are allocated an animal six weeks before the competition and are then responsible for the complete care of that animal. They are in charge of diet, exercise and grooming and in the case of those showing livestock they also have to train their animal to walk on a halter, which is not an easy task.”

College principal Jeanette Dawson added: “The event embodies our commitment to agriculture and our pledge to produce farmers who have the skills necessary to ensure the industry has a bright future.”