Waldo the ram turned heads at the 2019 Nevern Agricultural Show held on Wednesday.

The yearling Hampshire Down ram bred and owned by Steffan Harries of Glandwr was awarded Champion Ram and his owner was ‘chuffed to bits.’

With an increase in cattle and sheep entries this year, competition was fierce and farmer Steffan couldn’t be happier.

“We’ve had four firsts, one second and three thirds with our flock. Waldo was also champion. It’s great to win as it gives a good name to our flock and hopefully we can sell some stock through our win,” said Steffan, a member of Hermon YFC.

Held on the land of Bayvil Farm with thanks to Geraint Rees, the weather couldn’t have been better for the little show with a big heart. This year it was celebrating its 70th Show and chair Peter Lewis had a busy day.

“On the whole it has been a good show but we still need a bit more organising. The weather has been good and we’ve had more stalls this year. The location is also fantastic,” said Peter.

Over in the cattle section and the Supreme Champion Beef title was this year awarded to the six-year-old Simmental, Electra, owned by Huw James of Blaenffos. Electra was reserve champion last year and owner Huw is delighted with his success.

Huw, who was helped by his children Lia, six, and three-year-old Dion said: “It’s a good feeling to win at our local show. We attend every year to support it and to keep it going. Magiann, Electra’s calf was also best female under 12 months old.”

The show was celebrating its 70th year this year and an exhibition was organised by presidents Vivian and Bonnie Davies of Penlanwynt. Past presidents were also invited to attend a light lunch in the President’s Tent.

Bonnie said: “It’s just great. We’ve made our speeches and the sun is shining. It has been great seeing everyone, the location is terrific and we’ve had a lovely day.”

The horticulture tent was bustling with colourful exhibits and Drefach Felindre’s Glenys Rees had a successful day gaining a first prize for her 70th celebration cake, a first in the vase of garden flowers and a first for her flower arrangement.

One of the horticultural secretaries Mair Allison said: “Even though we’ve had less entries in the flowers and vegetables, entries in other sections have remained the same and the standard has been very good compared with several other shows. Many have said that the exhibits here are on a par with the Royal Welsh.”

The Supreme horse title was awarded to Penstrumbly Maid Me Smile by Gwynfaes Culhwch out of Abergavenny Welsh Maid (Trevallian Picasso). The six year old 14.2h.h mare owned by Kath Hall of Fishguard is produced and ridden by Rebecca Lamb.

“It felt good to win her first supreme championship. She couldn’t have a better name, she always makes me smile and she always does everything with a smile on her face! I’m absolutely over the moon with how she has progressed over the season, hopefully our luck will continue until after HOYS (Horse of the Year Show)!” said Rebecca.

The reserve supreme spot was awarded to Ceinewyddfach Seren Aur following her win in the palomino championship. The six-year-old homebred Section C was bred by Debra Russell from New Quay and is owned and produced by her daughter Louise. Ceinewyddfach Seren Aur has had an extremely successful season. She attended the British Palomino National Summer Championships in Malvern in where she was crowned crowned the Supreme Champion of the British Palomino National Championships.

The Russell family from St Dogmaels brought home a fistful of rosettes with their Section B ponies. Bryngwennol Fair Treasure being awarded first mare, her foal Bryngwennol Tassimo first foal and Bryngwennol Royal Tribune first stallion and champion section B winning his bronze medal and then going Supreme Champion Welsh ending his showing season on a high.

Show secretary Jeff Merrigan, helped by his grandchildren Phoebe and Owen, was glad to see the weather on his side.

“The entries in the cattle and sheep classes are up from last year, especially the any native breed and ryland classes and that’s positive news. The fun horse section introduced this year has also proved very popular with over 10 entries in the fancy dress section. The weather is also glorious,” said Jeff.