Scots parade Limousins to take interbreed title

The exhibitors and their proud collection of Limousin cattle made a triumphant return to form by taking the Yorkshire Post's Interbreed Group Competition trophy.

Their success sees Limousins ending four years of dominance by British Blues and Simmentals.

The team comprised David Cormack, John Wilson, Gaynor McDowell, Douglas McPeath and Andrew Hyslop. Some of the cattle they were showing had already been winners at a plethora of Scottish shows, including the Royal Highland Show.

The team were presented with their trophy by the Yorkshire Post's agricultural correspondent Mark Casci in front of a crowd of hundreds who watched the parade of more than 70 cattle in the ring.

Judge David Leggat said the class was the most competitive he had judged this year so far and praised the high quality of all in the entrants.

"It was a difficult decision," he said. "But I have decided to give it to the Limousins.

"Good breeding of cattle is vital for the future of farming and we have magnificent examples of that right here at the Great Yorkshire Show."

Mr Cormack said: "Some of us have been here many times, some of us have come here for the first time.

"We have all been stockmen in the past.

"We all breed cattle and enjoy exhibiting them.

"Limousins are just quality animals. They give us a good living and are easy to handle."

Members of the Limousin breeding society watched on proudly as the men took the trophy – marking the first time the Limousin has triumphed in the category for several years.

Coming in second place was last year's winning breed, Simmentals, for which Mr Leggat also had high praise.

They were followed by groups of Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Belgian Blues and Beef Shorthorns.

Mr Cormack said: "We have all had successes in our classes."

Last year's trophy went to the Simmentals, which ended three years of victories at the Great Yorkshire Show for the British Blue breed.