Vale Royal Annie, an 11-year-old cow from James Arnold, Tarporley, Cheshire, secured the Simmental virtual show championship.

No fewer than 431 animals from 81 pedigree breeders from throughout the length and breadth of the UK were entered for six weeks of online judging through July and August.

The 11-year-old cow caught the eye of the judges, with the class judged by Bridget Olds of the Bosahan herd, Cornwall, before securing the female championship under the watchful eye of John Barlow of the Denizes herd, Lancs and finally claiming the supreme selected by David Lowry of the Keeldrum herd Lanark.

“She is just a tremendous example of the Simmental breed. In the picture she just retains such a freshness, and is full of breed character and femininity. Annie has an excellent top line on her, lovely balanced body, a tremendous udder for her age and looks to be standing on a good set of legs. With nine calves to her name she’s also a terrific example of the longevity that is typical of Simmental females. I think she’s a very worthy supreme champion,” said Mr Lowry.

The male champion, Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) from WH Robson and Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare, took the reserve title. This 2018-born bull is by the homozygous polled bull, Sneumgaard Imperator (PP), and out of Kilbride Farm Dora 70F.

British Simmental Cattle Society’s general manager, Iain Kerr said: “A massive well done to the championship winners and to all of the Simmental breeders who entered this year and put on another fantastic Simmental show case.

“We can see that live showing is becoming more challenging and recognise the forward potential in this event. As such we’ll keep providing the platform for breeders large and small, in all geographies, to take part easily and showcase their Simmental stock.

“The social media numbers watching the show are remarkable and the audience extends well beyond the UK to cattle lovers from all round the globe which is great to see,” he concluded.

To see the class winners and all of the entries in this year’s 2023 Simmental Virtual Show, visit the Society’s Facebook page, or go to www.britishsimmental.co.uk.