The two most prestigious awards in the world of British cattle breeding will be contested at the Devon County Show this summer on May 17-19.

There are two Burke Trophies, one for dairy cattle and the other for the beef breeds. They are unusual in that they are contested by breeds, rather than by individual exhibitors. Each breed society will select the best pair of animals from those entered at the show to represent it in a judge-off against all the other breeds. For a farmer who breeds pedigree cattle, there is no greater accolade than having one of his or her animals chosen as the very best that a particular breed has to offer.

The Devon County Show’s chief cattle steward, Nick Burrington, said that it was a “tremendous honour” for Devon County Show to have been selected to host the awards. He said: “Cattle breeders are very proud of the stock they produce and this is a wonderful opportunity for them to compete for this prestigious award. We are sure that this event will be enjoyed by our exhibitors and stockmen, stewards and members of the public - after all, in the cattle world being nominated to compete for the trophies is like being nominated for an Oscar.”

Two of the most respected cattle judges in the country have been engaged to judge the Burke Trophies. Mike Yeandle, who has a herd of pedigree Devon cattle near Dorchester, will judge the beef breeds, while Robert Hunter from Lanarkshire, who breeds Jerseys and Holsteins, will judge the dairy breeds.

Entry forms are available from the Devon County Show’s website.