With just a few reversals, notably the success of Smallicombe Peter Lad as the male Champion, the results from Devon were confirmed by judge Mr Wheatley-Hubbard, a Tamworth' breeder.

So my sow won the much valued Chown china plate, to go with the one she won 2 years ago as a July gilt. She was not shown last year due to farrowing dates, which I managed to bring forward for this year. She has qualified for the Berkshire 'Champion of Champions' competition at Newbury in September, but is unlikely to attend as she farrows in August.
 

Traditional breeds - Interbreed Championship.
This was won by a rather perfect Saddleback gilt with my BK sow as reserve champion. The Saddleback was also Supreme Champion, beating the Modern breed champion into Reserve.
 

Pig of the year heats

No Berkshires forward, as Yorkshire is too far for us Devon and Cornwall people to go to for the final.
 

Young Pig of the Year

My Excelsa gilt '720' was put forward in the class for 2006 gilts which included both modern and traditional breeds, but excluded any pig already qualified. To my delight (and surprise) she won. Judge Vaughan Byrne said a lot of complimentary things about her but I was too surprised to remember his words!

So I will be at Hatfield for August 18 - 20 with a full trailer load of pigs including this gilt, to see what happens at shows 'up north'. I note from the BPA website (click here) that Mr Wheatley-Hubbard will be judging the Berkshires, and Mr Steve Loveless will be judging Young Pig of the year. I look forward to meeting other Berkshire breeders there, and also look forward to the incredible hospitality of Bill and Sally Lugg from Redruth who are also the Cornwall stewards. The hospitality tent they organize, complete with all the food and drink you could require for the whole time certainly makes for a relaxed and comfortable 3 days.
 

Sue Fildes
07768 625333