Despite the pandemic, Devon young farmers put on an excellent livestock show this year.

The Devon Young Farmer’s (YFC) Show & Sale held at Exeter Market is one of the highlights of the YFC calendar, giving young farmers the opportunity to showcase their livestock and compete alongside fellow members across the county.

With the show not being able to go ahead at Exeter Livestock Market due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event moved online for the second year running.

Matt Darke, Devon YFC county chairman said: “It was such a shame that we weren’t back at Exeter market for this year’s show and sale, which is always such a prestigious event for us.

"However, it was amazing to see young farmers across the county get behind our online alternative yet again.

"With just under 100 entries, from all corners of the county, the event was a brilliant virtual showcase of stock that we’re incredibly proud of.”

Young farmers took part by photographing their livestock in show condition.

Across six classes, including beef, dairy, sheep and pigs, 97 entries were whittled down to just one overall supreme champion.

It was Lydia Hopper from Withleigh YFC who was awarded this coveted title, with her Charolais tame lamb.

Lydia Hopper from Withleigh YFC with her winning Charolais tame lamb

Lydia Hopper from Withleigh YFC with her winning Charolais tame lamb

Lydia said: “Winning the Overall Supreme Champion class with my tame lamb made me incredibly proud - it’s great knowing that all the effort was worthwhile.

“This year I hand reared eleven tame lambs.

"This particularly lamb stood out as it is has a great show presence and it’s a good length.

"After washing her thoroughly to present her clean fleece, she was ready for the online show!”

Mark Davis, director at Kivells Agriculture, judged the Overall Supreme class. He said: “I would like to congratulate all the champions across each of the classes – there really was an outstanding standard of stock.

"Our decision to crown the tame lamb as the Overall Supreme Champion was unanimous amongst the Kivells team.

"Lydia Hopper’s tame lamb was outstanding and immaculately presented.

“We certainly look forward to 2022 when we can welcome everyone back to Exeter Livestock centre and get this show back on the road!”

To have a look back at all the entries and results from the Devon YFC Show and Sale, take a look at the Devon YFC Facebook and Instagram pages.