This year, the annual Farm Walk was held at Wallstone Farm, near Caldicot, Monmouthshire, hosted by Chris and Jessi Stephens. Good weather and a unique backdrop of the two Severn Bridges set the scene for the day, together with a very good turnout of old and new members. With Chris and Jessi’s interest in rare breeds, we saw their original population Jersey cows and pedigree Welsh pigs, as well as the mainly belted ACW herd, grazing the fields with their calves.
We also took stock of this year’s weaned calves, with an impromptu masterclass from David Powell, Sian Ioan and Robert Clifton – the ‘elders’ who have been breeding the cattle for many years! Their task was to choose a young bull from the group of weanlings which showed the most potential of becoming a bull to use to breed from. They each gave reasons for their choice – stock judging if you like – in breed points and confirmation of our breed – and all agreed on their favourite. I should think we all came away with some useful tips to apply when assessing our own herds.
After the walk, we reassembled at a local village hall, for a pie and mash lunch. This was followed by the Society AGM. The Chairman, Mike Lewis, thanked Jessi and Chris for hosting the event and was pleased to show everyone the rose bowl that we won at the RWAS Smallholding and Countryside Festival, for the best Cattle Breed Society Stand. There was a very positive feel to the meeting, with interesting discussion and ideas on how to move forward. It was great to see so many new members from near and far (Cumbria): welcome / croeso to the Ancient Cattle of Wales.
Thank you to everyone for attending. As a committee, we are pleased to welcome you all into the Society and look forward to seeing new herds appearing around Wales and beyond in the future!
Jenny Davies, Joint Secretary