Powys farmers win beef prize at Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Robin and Jo Ransome from Bleddfa, Knighton, won the inaugural Beef Rib competition that was judged by the well-known Powys business Morgans Family Butchers, Arwyn and Steve Morgans.

The family presented a four rib of pedigree Welsh Black beef from their Blackmixen herd prepared by Gareth Mills from Llandewi to compete in the steer class - the first ever Rib of Beef competition to be held at the event. 

The winning joint with rosettes and trophies (Image: Robin Ransome)

“The cut was taken from a homebred 29 1/2 month old steer raised on herb rich pastures,” said Mr Ransome. 

Competitors could enter in either the heifer or steer class, and the judges were looking for a four-bone of forerib cut from a nine-bone forequarter. All steers and heifers had be under 30 months of age.

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Weighing 6.8kg, the winning joint won the steer class and then became overall Rib of Beef champion. 

The judges of the competition Morgans were so impressed that the went out and bought the winning beef rib for a whopping £230.00 at auction the following day.

Jo and Robin Ransome with the winning joint (Image: Robin Ransome)

Mr Ransome said that this had been an excellent end to a “truly memorable year”.

This was because this was not the only success at this year’s show for the Ransome farm. Their homebred Southdown cross lamb carcasses were placed 4th in the native single class and 2nd in the native pair class. 

This came after having also won the Exhibitor-bred Native pair of beef animals championship with Blackmixen Bel and Blackmixen Zelensky in July at the Royal Welsh Show back in the summer.