English Winter Fair 2025

Written By Gemma Hodges

The 175th English Winter Fair has brought together some of the finest livestock breeders in the country, and the British Parthenais Cattle Society made its presence felt in style.

This year we held the first Pedigree Parthenais calf classes. The entries looked outstanding. Massive well done to Phil Cookes of FR Cookes from West Midlands for winning Overall Champion Parthenais with a yearling heifer.

The calves demonstrated the Parthenais qualities-

  • Clean, long bodies

  • Excellent conformation

  • Natural muscling with a finer bone structure

  • Impressively calm temperaments

Crowds gathered frequently around the Parthenais Society Stand, with many visitors curious about the breed’s potential for improving herd efficiency—particularly relevant as the industry continues searching for ways to balance sustainability with productivity.

Strong Showing in the Ring

The calves drew attention in the ring. Judges praised the presentation of Parthenais stock, highlighting how comfortably the breed is now holding its own against more established names in the UK beef industry.

Engaging With Farmers & Future Breeders

The Society’s stand remained busy throughout the weekend. Members offered advice, distributed updated breed literature, and answered questions from both seasoned cattlemen and younger visitors eager to learn about modern beef genetics.

Discussion topics ranged from feed efficiency and finishing times to the advantages of using Parthenais bulls on continental or native cows. The enthusiasm and curiosity were encouraging—evidence that awareness of the breed continues to expand each year.

Looking Ahead

As the Winter Fair wrapped up for 2025, the Parthenais Cattle Society left with renewed energy and optimism. Interest in the breed is rising, performance data continues to impress, and breeder numbers are steadily climbing.

With eyes now turning to the spring shows and summer agricultural events, we wish the members luck.

Thankyou to all the members, breeders and supports who helped make this year’s Winter Fair such a success.
Here’s to a productive and exciting season ahead!

Gemma Hodges
Next

Herd Competition