Bishop Burton College students shine in Stock Skills competition

EXPERIENCE: The Stock Skills competition enables students to understand what it’s like to compete in a large show

By Rick Lyon

Agriculture, animal management and equine students put on an impressive show at Bishop Burton College’s 62nd annual Stock Skills competition.

The Stock Skills competition, which is the oldest competition of its kind in England, is designed to enable students to experience what it is like to prepare for a large show, with them competing in Beef , Dairy, Sheep, Goat and Equine classes. Participants practice grooming and clipping skills and ensure their animal’s diet means it is in optimum condition.

They prepare for months, developing the skills and knowledge needed not only to compete, but also to take into the workplace when they complete their studies at the college.

The event, held at the Bishop Burton campus, near Beverley, was attended by students’ friends and families, along with dignitaries and industry representatives. 

The judging panel comprised of a number of leading livestock and equine experts including Master Judge Bob Richardson, who is a renowned Oxford Downs Sheep breeder, horse breeder Norma Grubb, and dairy specialist agricultural consultant Paul Robinson.

PREPARATION: Students spend months preparing their animal for show and developing skills they can use in their future careers

The judges considered the entrants based on the presentation, handling and knowledge of their animal. Students were also judged on their own personal presentation.

Under the guidance of Mr Richardson, officials named Darcy Sheriff Overall Champion for Agriculture and Krystal Stokes Overall Champion for Equine.

Reserve Champion for Agriculture was Rebecca Gray and Pippa Gill was named Reserve Champion for Equine, also receiving the Grooms Award. Bethany Barnes won the Farm Team Award.

Special guest Charles Mills, Show Director of the Great Yorkshire Show, who presented some of the prizes, said: “It’s great to see these young people competing in this fantastic event. Young people are so important to the future of agriculture and Bishop Burton is a great place to study.”

Principal and Chief Executive Bill Meredith said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has joined us today – families, friends, employers and supporters.

‘FANTASTIC JOB’: The winners in the Cattle, Sheep, Goat and Equine classes with Principal and Chief Executive Bill Meredith

“Stock Skills is a much-anticipated event at the college and thanks to your support and the hard work of the college team it continues to go from strength to strength.

“The students involved have done a fantastic job and the standard this year is incredibly high. Huge congratulations to them all - they should be incredibly proud.”

Bishop Burton College is one of the leading land-based colleges in the country, dedicated to supporting the future of agriculture. Working in partnership with the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology, the college pioneers the development of higher level, technical skills and in precision agriculture and agri-food technologies.