A team of seven enthusiastic young dairy breeders have made the final line up for a once in a lifetime chance to participate at the European Young Breeders School (EYBS) tomorrow (Wednesday).

They include Ifan Wilson, aged 19, a member of the well-known Tregibby Farm family of Cardigan and a member of Penparc YFC.

EYBS is a five day event run by AWE, taking place each year in Battice, Belgium. Throughout the week emphasis is placed on team spirit, and the participation of each member is evaluated throughout each stage of animal husbandry and preparation.

Competitors get hands-on experience from 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 and is a fantastic meeting place for ambitious breeders who can share their skills, knowledge, and experience. Many graduates from EYBS have gone on to compete at international breeding shows and work with world renowned animals.

Ifan said: "I come from a family with a long history of showing experience and have been showing cattle from a very young age. I enjoy working with dairy cows and would like to remain on my home farm to enable my family’s name to remain strong in the show ring.

"In the future, I am hoping to go travelling to gain an insight into different dairy farming systems. It is an honour to have been selected by Holstein UK to represent the society in Belgium and I am excited to learn from my fellow competitors and to meet different nationalities within the Holstein society."