THE SHORTHORN cow which won the Supreme Champion title at the Southern District Agricultural Show was won by the owners in a raffle!
Belinda and Dougie Coole’s cow – full title Rodway Moss Rose, but known on the farm as ‘Rose’ - came to the Island after Belinda won the animal as a calf at a specialist shorthorn gathering.
The cow won two of the major awards, including the Billown Cup for the best pedigree beast and the R. H. Gelling Cup for the Supreme Champion in the cattle sections.
The reserve champion was a shire horse owned by Clare Christian, while an Aberdeen Angus bull owned by the president of the National Farmers Union Howard Quayle was second reserve.
The judge was Rushen MHK Phil Gawne, the current Minister for Infrastructure, and well known in farming circles.
The show attracted big crowds on both days over the weekend at Great Meadow in Castletown with roads grid-locked on Saturday afternoon as hundreds of cars made their way south for the main day of the event, which included the Grand Parade and the selection of the Supreme Champion with the prizes presented this year by Deemster David Doyle.
It was an opportunity for many thousands of visitors to see the Island’s top pedigree farm animals on show, as well as to enjoy the many displays and stands in the showfield.
Manx produce was very much in evidence with numerous retailers showcasing their products. One of the most popular was a tent featuring the Manx Beekeepers’ Association with displays of live bees attracting lots of interest. Many jars of Manx honey were subsequently sold, while the show’s other tents gave the chance to purchase various home made farmhouse treats such as jams, breads, scones and cakes.
Organic farming was also very much in evidence, with a joint display of products and methods on show - again attracting considerable interest.
Attention now switches to the Royal Agricultural Show in Sulby later this month which takes place over three days on August 13th, 14th and 15th.
