All Breeds All Britain Calf Show 2015 Judges

Ayrshire Judge - Geraint Thomas

Geraint Thomas farms 350 acres overlooking the South Wales Estuary near Llangennech, close to the M4 corridor. He runs a herd of 150 milking pedigree Ayrshires and Holsteins in partnership with his wife and parents under the Gwynnog prefix. The Gwynnog Ayrshire herd was established in 2001 and since then under the management of Geraint have rapidly become one of the UK's noted herds. The Gwynnog herd have had many successes in the showring and herd competitions over the years and Geraint is a big supporter of Society events. Geraint is currently part of the Breed Heritage Committee helping to sustain the Ayrshire breed for the future. Geraint has had the privilege to judge many National shows and county shows all over the UK and Ireland.

Geraint has said that being invited to judge at the National All Breeds Calf Show will be the highlight of his judging career and is looking forward immensely to the task and honour of judging at this prestigious annual event.

Rebecca Jarvis – Judge for Coloured Breeds Showmanship 2015

Having being brought up on a dairy farm milking Pedigree Friesians, my interest in the dairy industry started at an early age. In 1984, my parents finally gave in and bought me two Jersey heifers as a Christmas present and as my interest in cattle developed, I registered my own prefix in the Holsteins and started up the Braimber herd. The size of the farm is insufficient to warrant my full time commitment and so for the past 13 years I have been employed as a Feed Representative by I’Anson Bros Ltd, Masham.

My main hobby has always been showing and after winning a trip to Canada to learn the art of preparing and presenting animals in the show ring, my involvement with both the Holstein and Jersey Young Members flourished. As a young member, I was fortunate to win the UK National Jersey Stockperson Competition as well as being part of the 1991 winning Dairy Event Pentathlon Team. Success in both breeds continued and I was lucky enough to be Champion Showman at the National Holstein Show as well as winning the Stockjudging at the Royal and finally, as I reached the end of Young Members, receiving the Presidents Medal for outstanding achievement within the Holstein movement.

Appointed as a Society Panel Judge for both breeds, my interest has given me the chance to officiate as a Judge at some of the top shows including Agri Scot, Balmoral, Royal Welsh, European Dairy Event and the Royal. My enthusiasm is still within the Young Members sector where I try to encourage and support the youngsters who will hopefully promote their Breeds in the future.