They’re out and about again!
But wait a minute, are they very keen? Well, no, once again it’s down to the unpredictable British weather. This time, though, it’s not the rain but the sun, and lots of it. With temperatures rising and moisture rapidly disappearing from the ground, the team had to get a wriggle on, a whole month early!
This year, we are pleased to once again welcome back Phil Smith as Judge, Graham Knight as Assistant Judge and Mick Bailey as Steward.
An initial comment from the judging team:
“Best standard overall.”
With 30 crops entered this year, the team covered a whopping 197 miles over the two days, receiving a warm welcome and enjoying some great conversation at all the farms they visited.
Day One
Things had been going well during the morning, but then disaster struck! Nothing that would trouble Health & Safety, thankfully, but something potentially far more serious, the pub they were planning to stop at for lunch was closed for refurbishment.
What to do?
After a momentary flat spin, the decision was made to chance their arm at Kedleston Park Golf Club.
Now, as many of you can probably imagine, our team didn’t exactly have the appearance of seasoned golf club members and may initially have looked a little more on the unsavoury side in the eyes of the restaurant maître d’. But fear not, with years of practice in the art of smooth talking, the staff soon took them to heart and looked after them extremely well.
Day Two
More miles, more exceptional crops, great company and, it goes without saying, another pub lunch — this time courtesy of The Bluebell at Kirk Langley.
The growing cereal judging is always great fun for the team, but beneath the humour there is also a real sense of professionalism and purpose.
More importantly, though, it is about friendship and sometimes simply being that friendly ear when a farmer may not have had anyone to talk to for several days.
It’s something worth thinking about. Farming brings many highs, but when the lows come, coupled with the solitude that can be part of the profession, a friendly face and a good conversation can make all the difference.
A big thank you from the Society to Kedleston Park Golf Club and The Bluebell at Kirk Langley for looking after our team so well.
Results to follow in due course.