Barnsley College’s talented land-based students stole the limelight at their annual Spring Show with an impressive showcase of farm animals.

Agriculture and Animal Care students took centre stage at the Wigfield Farm campus and demonstrated their commitment and dedication to understanding the art of showcasing a variety of farm animals, including horses, llamas, poultry, sheep, cattle and pigs.

The College’s Spring Show entered its third year, with this event marking the biggest yet, involving all practical students from Level 1 Animal Care through to Level 3 Animal Care, alongside Level 2 Agriculture students to display the invaluable skills in handling and presenting animals that they have gained during their time at the college.

The agriculture students closed the event with notable showcases featuring the farm’s three-month-old Jersey cows, which they have been diligently halter-training, and the diverse range of pigs including Large Black, Kunekune, and Gloucestershire Old Spot.

Ben Smith, who studies Level 2 Agriculture, showed Earnie the Gloucestershire Old Spot boar. He said: “Taking part in the Spring Show has been a great experience for me as I want to go into pig farming after College; I've learned so much from working with different people and handling tasks outside of my day-to-day experience.

“The event has boosted my confidence in handling animals as the showcase has allowed me to demonstrate my capability and control with the pigs, as well as enhancing my people skills through various interactions with the public.”

The students not only showed their remarkable talents but also celebrated their achievements through the presentation of show ribbons. From Best Student Handler to Best Presented, students were recognised for their exceptional dedication and skills.

Richard Walker, Contract Shepherd and Associate with Farm Management judged the sheep, cattle and pig categories. He added: “It was a great honour to be asked to judge the livestock categories at the Wigfield Farm Spring Show for the third consecutive year.

“The enthusiasm displayed by the students and the exceptional quality of the selected livestock, go hand in hand in applauding the commitment and hard work, of the students and the staff on the farm site.”

Barnsley College offers full-time vocational courses in Animal Management and Agriculture. For more information and to apply for a course starting in September, visit www.barnsley.ac.uk/animal or www.barnsley.ac.uk/agriculture. Alternatively, contact the Information Team by emailing info@barnsley.ac.uk or calling 01226 216 123.