Simmental breeder, Finlay Soutter, was presented with the Royal Norfolk’s Young Handler award by the Prince of Wales on the second day of the June 2023 show.
The 17-year-old was parading the heifer Brandane Millie who was bred by well-known breeder and stockman, Jimmy McMillan.
Against a huge entry of Young Handlers across all breeds in the show, Finlay was required to parade Millie around the ring then walk her up to the judge where he was asked various questions on how she had been prepared for the class, what feeding she was on, and general questions about Millie herself to test his general knowledge. He was then placed into the line-up and further judged on how Millie was stood and presented, and Finlay’s ability to settle her.
Young Handler, Mr Soutter, said: “First of all it’s a great honour to have won the Champion Young Handler award. I have won young handlers’ Championships before but never at a Royal Show. To do that and have the trophy presented by Prince William is just really special and a memory I’ll never forget.
“Prince William was so easy to talk to. He asked me how old Brandane Millie was and also about the Simmental breed. He also asked if I had shown at the Royal Norfolk Show before and why Brandane Millie was so special.
“Millie was purchased privately by my grandad (Doug Mash, Chesham, Bucks) and was gifted to me as a birthday present. It was a great boost to start my own herd of pedigree cattle with such a great heifer. I greatly admire Millie as she has style, shape and muscle, with femininity to complement, and has incredible blood lines. This year I plan on showing her at the Great Yorkshire, and the Royal Welsh as they are two shows I’ve never exhibited at.”
He has clear aims for his future: “Ambition for my newly established Millennium Simmental herd is for it to slowly expand to more females, and hopefully to attend show and sales with their progeny. The main focus will be on obtaining and breeding quality foundation female lines. I like the Simmental breed as they’re known for their maternal traits, producing plenty milk and having a great temperament. I think these qualities make them ideal females for the future in both pedigree herds and commercial breeding.”
The British Simmental Cattle Society General Manager, Iain Kerr, said: “On behalf of all members, the Society warmly congratulates Finlay on this fantastic personal achievement, and outstanding promotion of the Simmental breed. Across all of the many young handlers taking part it was great to see both the enthusiasm and ability on show.”
