Seven young dairy breeders from across the UK have won a week of learning at the European Young Breeders School (EYBS) in Belgium.

The team of Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) includes Mark Whitehurst (Staffordshire), Neil Sloan (Scotland), Ifan Wilson (South Wales), Chloe Braithwaite (Shropshire), Ellie Westaway (West Midlands), Ellie Fisher (Border & Lakeland) and Jamie Pottow (South & Wiltshire).

EYBS is a five day event starting on 30th August in Battice, Belgium. Competitors get hands-on experience from animal husbandry workshops including bedding, showmanship and clipping, as well as classroom based sessions such as marketing your farm business. After three days of workshops and practice, the youngsters put their skills to good use in stock judging, showmanship and calf classes.

EYBS is one of the best springboards to reach the top in the world of breeding and showing. Many graduates from EYBS have gone on to compete at international breeding shows and work with world renowned animals.

Miriam Bagley, events and national HYB coordinator for Holstein UK, said: “All of the seven candidates heading for the European Young Breeders School have shown outstanding passion, tenacity and interest in reaching their full potential in the world of cattle breeding. EYBS provides these young farmers with a variety of vital skills, as well as an opportunity to network and compete with over 100 European young breeders. We wish the UK team the best of luck.”