THREE young dairy enthusiasts from Devon recently competed at the National Young Show Stars, winning a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Canada later this year.

Becky Walters, Abi Marshall and Emily Davis, with their presentation ‘Jersey Dreams’, travelled up to Malvern, Worcestershire, to take part in the national competition, which took place on March 23 and March 24.

There, they went on to win the dairy section, and also secured the prize to go to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada, in November this year, with all expenses paid.

With two Jersey heifers, named Jasmine and Alexis, the girls had to create a promotional stand; clip, present and judge stock; and demonstrate ring craft and etiquette.

The girls were marked on the tidiness of their working area, the presentation of the handlers, animal safety, ability and confidence whilst working with the heifers, clipping knowledge and their overall presentation technique and finish.

The points from each task were totaled, and the girls won the dairy section.

Becky, who works at Mole Valley Farmers, Lifton Mill, said: “Jersey Dreams really worked as a team, and we had many positive comments about our clipping skills, the promotion stand and our overall teamwork. We did feel that we had worked incredibly hard, but it was a great experience and we had lots of fun and laughter along the way.”

Abi added: “We are all farmers’ daughters, with an interest in showing cattle. Emily has her Rivermead Jersey herd; Becky has some Jerseys in her Moorview Brown Swiss and Ayrshire herd, while at home our Greenway and Autumn Gold herds include Ayrshires, Holstein Friesians and Guernseys.”

Emily said: “We had a great show and enjoyed every minute. That we also won the holiday hasn’t really sunk in yet, but what a fantastic prize. We are looking forward to going on this adventure together towards the end of this year.”