United Auctions in Stirling played host to a truly stellar showcase of pedigree and commercial cattle breeding excellence over two days of celebration, competition, and camaraderie as the 2025 Stars of the Future Calf Show delivered an unforgettable event for the British cattle industry. Held on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November, the show brought together handlers, breeders, judges, and enthusiasts from across the UK to witness new champions crowned and an inaugural memorial trophy awarded for one of Britain’s most prestigious calf shows.
The festivities commenced on Friday evening with the Young Handlers competition, a crowd favourite that showcased the exceptional calibre of emerging talent within the British livestock industry. Phil Hallhead, of Norbreck Genetics, presided over the classes, with Vice President of the Royal Smithfield Club Rachael Wyllie championing future farming talent through the presentation of trophies. The competition drew enthusiastic competitors aged 11 to 21, each demonstrating poise, technical skill, and the unmistakable spark that signals promising careers ahead.
Speaking about the Young Handlers competition, Judge Phil Hallhead remarked: “The young handlers’ competition surpassed all expectations, and the industry has a very keen and vibrant cohort of young livestock handlers that took part in the Stars of the Future competition on Friday evening. One of the hardest judging tasks I have been given. Deciding on a junior winner from 18 competitors was no small task, and the top 4 or 5 handlers could only be split by the finest of margins.”
Hallhead highlighted the calibre of the winners: “The top two or three handlers in each class exhibited key traits I was looking for—smart dress code, correct handling with clean halters and equipment, and when asked questions about themselves and the animal they were handling, they told me all the necessary details clearly and succinctly.” Particular commendation went to the class winners: Champion Young Handler Katie Aiken (19), Reserve Young Handler Elliw Grug Davies (11), and intermediate winner Iona Park (15), described by Hallhead as “a very special handler who was so calm and collected under the spotlights.”
The undoubted highlight of Saturday’s competition was the inaugural presentation of the Maimie Paterson Memorial Supreme Championship, kindly sponsored by Norbreck Genetics. This prestigious award celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Maimie Paterson, whose lifelong devotion to livestock and the farming community left an indelible mark on the British cattle industry. The Supreme Champion and Reserve were selected following a dramatic head-to-head of the Overall Senior and Junior Interbreed Champions from all breeds.
Winner of the Maimie Paterson Memorial Championship was the 16-month-old Limousin bull Goldies Vista from the Goldie family. Making their debut at Stars of the Future, Bruce and Linda Goldie, son Thomas and daughter Isla, brought their Dumfries-based herd to Stirling with outstanding success. Sired by the 12,000gns Burnbank Sergeant, this young bull is out of Goldies Raquel, a paternal sister of the three Goldies bulls that sold last month for 70,000gns, 36,000gns, and 32,000gns respectively.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Show Chairman Robert Paterson shared: “It was incredibly special to see the Maimie Paterson Memorial Supreme Championship awarded this year. My mother devoted her life to supporting and uplifting others in the livestock community, and I know she would have been thrilled to see the standard of stock and the spirit of camaraderie in that ring. The whole day captured exactly what she loved about our industry.”
Judge Phil Hallhead described the final decision: “The final competition for the overall champion was a really hard ‘call’ but the power, length and correctness of the ‘Goldies’ Limousin bull pipped the others to the big title. It was an honour to be asked to judge such a prestigious show and to present the very first overall memorial trophy and awards on behalf of the Paterson family and in memory of Maimie Paterson.”
For reserve overall, Hallhead selected the junior champion, an 11-month-old Charolais heifer named Arradfoot Agnes from Thor Atkinson, Ulverston. Sired by the privately purchased Tophill Oscar, this heifer was described by Hallhead as “super smart and classy”—a worthy runner-up in an exceptionally competitive field that demonstrated the breadth of quality genetics on display throughout the day.
Spectators were treated to an impressive display as teams of two from all breeds competed in the Joe Watson Memorial pairs competition. With a Limousin duo from Robert and Jean Graham, Airthry Kerse, Stirling being tapped out as the winners.
The Royal Norfolk Trophy presented by the Royal Smithfield Club for Best Group of Three was given to a trio of black commercial heifers: a Limousin cross from the Robertson family of Fodderletter, Tomintoul; Starburst, a Limousin cross from Allan and Susan Campbell, Crawlaw; and Bonnie Blue, a British Blue cross from the Hamiltons of Mid Shawtonhill. The uniformity and quality of this matching group resonated with both judge and spectators alike. The success of Stars of the Future 2025 stands as a testament to the dedication and generosity of those who made the event possible. The Stars of the Future team extends sincere gratitude to United Auctions for providing world-class facilities; the committed sponsors who backed the show; the specialist judges who brought their expertise to every ring; the stewards and committee members who ensured seamless operations; the caterers who kept everyone fuelled; Direct Rosettes for awards; the Royal Smithfield Club for the trophies; the family of Joe Watson for their memorial trophy; MacGregor Photography for capturing the day’s moments; and the outstanding team at Pedigree Livestock Services for their tireless work behind the scenes.
The atmosphere throughout the two days was electric, marked by genuine enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and a palpable sense that the British cattle industry is advancing together. Ringside energy, audience engagement, and social media coverage created an unmistakable momentum, reflecting an industry powered by innovation, support, and a profound love of farming.
Championship Results
| Continental Pairs | Overall | 385 | R& J Graham | Graham’s | 314/315 |
| Continental Pairs | Reserve | 389 | S Jessop & Dougie McBeath | Springsett | 320/317 |
| Native Pairs | Overall | 462 | Robert & Dianne Bradley | Moorside | 234/243 |
| Native Pairs | Reserve | 464 | Caroline Morton | Keirsbeath | 99/100 |
| Joe Watson Memorial Pairs Competition | 385 | R& J Graham | Graham’s | 314/315 | |
| Group of Three | Overall | 172/175/189 | R & J Hamilton | Mid Shawtonhill | |
| Group of Three | Reserve | 312/330/334 | R & J Graham | Graham’s | |
| Senior Interbreed | Overall | 312 | Bruce Goldie | Goldies Vista | |
| Senior Interbreed | Reserve | 282 | Kevin Watret | Solway View Ultraviolet | |
| Junior Interbreed | Overall | 36 | Thor Atkinson | Arradfoot Agnes | |
| Junior Interbreed | Reserve | 126 | Miss Nicola Howie | Ladyluck Karisma B264 | |
| Maimie Paterson | Overall | 312 | Goldies Vista | ||
| Maimie Paterson | Reserve | 36 | Thor Atkinson | Arradfoot Agnes | |
Breed Championship Results
| British Blue | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 303 | Kevin Watret | Solway View Valentine | |
| British Blue | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 294 | Jean Mackay | Harelaw Victor | |
| British Blue | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 282 | Kevin Watret | Solway View Ultraviolet | |
| British Blue | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 288 | Dean Saunders | Maidenlands Unique | |
| Aberdeen Angus | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 126 | Miss Nicola Howie | Ladyluck Karisma B264 | |
| Aberdeen Angus | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 97 | R & C Rettie | Retties Looney Tunes B363 | |
| Aberdeen Angus | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 90 | Neil Wattie | Tonley Princess A232 | |
| Aberdeen Angus | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 92 | William Ashworth | Blackrodian Lady Ruth A264 | |
| AOB | Junior Championship | Reserve Female Champion | 373 | Thor Atkinson | Newland Amelia | |
| AOB | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 372 | Mervyn Forster | Elgany Willard | |
| AOB | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 370 | Thor Atkinson | Newland Vada ET | |
| AOB | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 364 | Allan & Susan Campbell | Crawlaw Harris | |
| Beef Shorthorn | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 214 | Megan Souter | Jodame Krystal Wynter | |
| Beef Shorthorn | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 210 | Natalie Hynd | Welbeck William | |
| Beef Shorthorn | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 194 | R & C Rettie | Aberdona Vanity Fair | |
| Beef Shorthorn | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 193 | Mrs L Townsend | Coxhill Vancouver | |
| Charolais | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 36 | Thor Atkinson | Arradfoot Agnes | |
| Charolais | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 27 | Thor Atkinson | Arradfoot Aftershock (ET) | |
| Charolais | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 1 | A Macgregor (Allanfauld) Ltd | Allanfauld Vanhalen | |
| Charolais | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 13 | Andrew Hornall | Falleninch Victoria | |
| Commercials | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 172 | William Robertson & Son | Bb | |
| Commercials | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 167 | Jean Mackay | ||
| Commercials | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 156 | Mr & Mrs M Alford | The Duchess | |
| Commercials | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 148 | Shona Stevenson | Tango | |
| Hereford | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 138 | Daniel Holmes | Moralee 1 Casino PR395 | |
| Hereford | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 144 | Ian Skea | Bennachie 1 Zara 3rd | |
| Hereford | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 132 | Cara Doggett | Maxwell 1 Crack-a-lackin’ | |
| Hereford | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 137 | J M Cant & Partners | Panmure 1 Plum C3 | |
| Highland | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 245 | Brindle Point Croft | Adam 1st Brindle Point Croft | |
| Highland | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 264 | S & R Hunter | Frith 2nd Of Hunters | |
| Highland | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 226 | Milly Bradley | Figgy Of Thelbridge Hall | |
| Highland | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 235 | Donald Dempster | Bannoch Ruadh 2nd Of Cailaich | |
| Limousin | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 358 | R & J Graham | Graham’s Aria | |
| Limousin | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 343 | Mr & Mrs M Alford | Foxhillfarm Alberto | |
| Limousin | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 312 | Bruce T Goldie | Goldies Vista | |
| Limousin | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 327 | D McBeath & S J Jessop | Springsett Valentina | |
| Simmental | Junior Championship | Junior Overall Champion | 81 | James Maciver | Coltfield Sister Sandra | |
| Simmental | Junior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 83 | W S Stronach | Islavale Amanda 17 (p) | |
| Simmental | Senior Championship | Senior Overall Champion | 53 | W S Stronach | Islavale Rafferty | |
| Simmental | Senior Championship | Reserve Overall Champion | 47 | Megan Maciver | Coltfield Rhysand |