THERE was a fantastic turn out for the cows this year at Launceston show, with many from the Post’s area coming home with a rosette or two.

From heifers to bulls, there were a wide variety of breeds from across the county all prepared to show off.

Although many had an early start, with competitors having to be on the show field by 8am, there were no grumbles as they set up for a day of showing.

Of the competitors were Terry and Alison Ruby, from Ashwater, with their herd of Beef Shorthorns. Speaking to the Post on how their day had gone, Terry and Alison said: “It has been very good, we came last year aswell.

“The president asked us to come this time. We used to attend the Royal Welsh Show but thanks to the altered dates we are now able to show at Launceston show.

“We will return hopefully, as long as TB avoids us.”

When asked what the bull was called, Terry and Alison Ruby’s son Jack informed the Post that ‘the bull’s name is Jack’.

They had a successful day winning in several categories including reserve champion and the male native class.

Due to the fine mizzle that had plagued the show during the morning some of the competitors told the Post it had been difficult to groom the animals the way they would have liked. A lot of preparation goes in to showing off a prize cow with many having a specific routine to make their animals coats as shiny and appealing to attract the attention of the judges.

Ada Brookes from Jacobstow, Bude, spoke to the Post about the success they had had with their Beckaveans herd of pedigree polled South Devons, but mentioned some of the difficulties they had in the morning due to the rain. She said: “We have had a good day so far with our cows. We have had a first prize for the young bull class and seconds in the two-year-old class and the yearling class. We were also happy to have received first’s in the pairs and triples.

“We have been coming to the show now for about four years and I think this year is our best one yet.

“The weather has been good for showing, its not too hot, but the mist has been a problem for us when it comes to grooming.

“We like to bring their coats up with a spray but we are unable to do that when the coat is already wet from the rain, however, we have done well considering.”