Next Gen Final 2025
Saturday, September 27th, marked an action-packed day for Next Gen members at GVM Tullamore! The highly anticipated Next Gen Final brought together young talent from across the region, showcasing the skills and passion for the Hereford breed.
The day kicked off with the under-18 group being split into three categories: Senior, Intermediate, and Junior. Each participant had the exciting opportunity to step into the ring and present their animals, demonstrating their knowledge and expertise. The event was expertly judged by the Mr. Andrew Hughes, a UK Judge.
The excitement didn’t stop there – each group then took part in a stock judging session, led by the knowledgeable Lisa Dowd. Lisa began with a brief discussion on stock judging techniques, followed by a hands-on opportunity for the participants to grade the animals themselves. This interactive session encouraged learning and critical thinking, as each member discussed their results with Lisa and received valuable tips and insights.
In addition to the hands-on activities, the bursary candidates gave insightful presentations on the Hereford breed, sharing their knowledge and passion. The presentations added an educational layer to the event, further fostering the group’s understanding of the cattle industry.
Mr. Andrew Hughes also took the time to provide a detailed clipping demonstration, offering invaluable advice on how to prepare animals for the ring and what trait
s judges are most likely to look for. His practical insights were hugely beneficial, giving the participants expert guidance on how to improve their presentation skills.
The day concluded with an essential health and safety demonstration on trailer usage, kindly conducted by Mr. Jim Dockery from FRS Roscrea. This vital session emphasized the importance of safety when transporting animals and provided practical tips that will stay with the participants long after the event.
Both the ring presentation and stock judging were graded, contributing to the overall final results of the competition. We would like to congratulate all members who participated at the event and for their continued support throughout the year.
Junior:
Intermediate:
Senior