Young handlers - Stranraer Show

With the 2021 show season once again falling foul of Covid, and most summer shows once again not taking place, we’ve asked the individual show societies to nominate a young handler or two, for us to speak to, and get their outlook on shows, and the wider industry. After all, they are the future.

Running in a similar order to the show calendar, we’re looking forward to hearing what the next generation have to say...

Robbie and Craig Agnew (16)

Can you give us a bit of background about yourselves and your family?

We are 16-year-old twins from Kirkcolm near Stranraer, we live at West Dhuloch, a family run farm, with our Dad, Mum and big sister Kate. Kate is going to university in September to study Primary teaching. We run 200 pedigree Holstein cows and some British Blue heifers with calves at foot on 340 acres.

How did you get involved in livestock and showing?

Both: Mum and Dad looked out a calf each for us to show when we were only 6 and we have been keen on showing ever since

Do you have preferred breeds?

Both: Has to be Holstein and British Blue

What stands out to you about these breeds? What qualities do you feel they have compared to others?

Robbie: I love Holsteins because they work hard to fill the tank and there is nothing better than walking through a field of them all bursting with milk!

Craig: I agree, and I also love the blues for their shape and great temperament, they are quiet and easier to work with compared to some other breeds.

What was the first show you went to? Do you have a favourite show to go to?

Both: Our first and favourite show is Stranraer as we have been showing calves at it since we were in primary 1.

Robbie: I remember this first show, I was in the ring with my calf when she somehow managed to knock me over and pin me to the ground by standing on my tie!

Craig: I also look forward to Colmonell Show, its small but friendly and relaxed. I have even been asked to show calves for other people there.

What is your favourite thing about showing?

Robbie: I love the whole thing from clipping & cleaning up the cattle making them look their best to putting on the halter and showing them off. I also love seeing other farmers best livestock on display.

Craig: It is always great when I look along the 3 rings at Stranraer and see such big classes of quality Holsteins, Ayrshires and Jerseys. (It’s also quite nice receiving a rosette now and again too!)

Robbie: I also like it when the public come over to the cattle when the showing is over, they can ask some daft questions which makes me laugh!

What has been your biggest success in the show ring?

Robbie: Personally, my biggest success was winning champion Holstein calf with my red and white calf Appleman Roxy in 2015.

Craig: Probably when I won the Young Handlers class at Stranraer in 2016. Also, when I was 14 my Dad let me take a milking heifer, Dhuloch Silver Bright to Colmonell Show, she was placed first and I was fair chuffed with that.

On the other side of that, you had any disappointments so far?

Robbie: Yes, I remember 1 year I thought I had a really special calf. I came 2nd. which was a good placing, but I am sure the judge did it because he thought I was Craig as he commented on how I was having such a good day!

Who would you say you look up to in showing? Have you been given any advice that has stuck in your mind?

Robbie I look up to my dad as he is constantly trying to improve the herd. He won Stranraer 2 years running with Kepculloch Bradley Irina, Ex 95, the main reason we got so involved with showing.

Craig: My dad was introduced to showing at a young age by his dad, our Grandpa Davie, who was keen to see us take it up and always had words of encouragement for us.

The best advice we have been given would probably be never support Celtic and never listen to a word James McNeil from Cairnpat says!!!!!!

Do you both work on the farm at home, out with show prep?

Both: We have both been milking cows ever since we could reach their udders! We also enjoy helping out with the tractor work especially mowing and tedding silage.

What are your interests and hobbies out with showing?

Both: We have both played football from a very young age and now play football for Stranraer under 17s and train twice a week. We love watching football and going to Ibrox – the whole family are Rangers mad!

Do you have plans for the future?

Both: We left school on the first possible day we could in May this year and now work at home. Someday in the future we would both like our own pedigree Holstein herds and try to breed the best cows we can.

Do you have any tips or advice for young people trying to get in to showing?

Both: Steel toe-capped boots and tuck your tie in!