Reaseheath College and University Centre had a showstopping presence at this year’s Royal Cheshire County Show, proudly taking home first place in the Trade Stand Competition and celebrating outstanding success in the cattle show ring.
Judges praised the interactive and engaging stand, which impressed across the board with its hands-on activities, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and vibrant showcase of modern land-based industries.
From drone demonstrations and forestry skills to cake decorating and the ever-popular equine and tractor simulators, the interactive stand captured the imagination of families and professionals alike. Visitors also enjoyed live cookery demonstrations which showcased Reaseheath’s Farm to Fork project, while the two friendly Suffolk ewes, Hansel and Gretel, were a huge hit with visitors.
Curriculum areas represented included Construction, Countryside, Food Technology, Equine, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, and Business, all showcasing the breadth of courses and careers supported by the college. Staff from the University Centre Reaseheath were on hand to highlight the range of degrees and professional qualifications available to study. It was an impressive display of the opportunities Reaseheath offers, from entry-level training to degree-level study.
Adding to the excitement, the farm team and students returned to the show ring for the first time in decades and made a major impact. Ayrshire heifer Cuthill Towers Daring Miss Blonde, known as Honeypott, won first place in her class and was crowned Interbreed Champion Heifer, a fantastic achievement that marks a triumphant return for Reaseheath’s pedigree herd.
The team also celebrated second and third place wins in the Ayrshire First-Lactation Cow Class with Amazing Evelyn and Blizzard Rae.
These successes are particularly significant as they follow the revival of Reaseheath’s historic Ayrshire herd earlier this year. In March, 62 pedigree Ayrshire cattle arrived from Scotland, hand-selected from two of the world’s oldest herds – including one based directly in Ayrshire – marking the end of a 57-year absence from the campus farm.
Reaseheath’s original Ayrshire herd, founded in 1919 and renowned for its superior genetics, was wiped out during the 1967 foot and mouth outbreak and had never been replaced – until now. The Ayrshires, famed for their high milk yields and exceptional butterfat and protein levels, now complement the college’s elite Holstein herd and offer students valuable real-world experience within a modern, progressive dairy enterprise.
Iain Clarke, Assistant Principal – Land-based and Sustainability, said: “It is with great pride that we took first place in the trade stand section. The judges were blown away by the interaction on the stand – from the construction drone following them around, to the incredible countryside and forestry displays, the Farm to Fork showcase, engineering, equine, our friendly ewes Hansel and Gretel, and everything in between.
“Special thanks also go to our farm team – Pyper Marshall, Chris Chambers, Will Preece – and our students for their amazing work in the cattle lines. Honeypott’s win is a huge achievement and shows how far our Ayrshire herd has come. The Royal Cheshire County Show is such an important showcase for Reaseheath and I’m immensely proud of what our staff and students have achieved.”
Marcus Clinton, Reaseheath’s Principal and CEO added: “The Cheshire Show continues to be a vital opportunity for us to connect with our communities, celebrate land-based industries, and show the excellence and passion that Reaseheath is known for. To win the top trade stand prize and shine in the show ring is a real testament to the dedication of our staff and students.”
The public can next enjoy the Reaseheath experience at the Nantwich Show on Wednesday, July 30th, which takes place at the college’s Nantwich-based grounds.
