Experienced Trio Announced to Judge 2026 National Herd Competition

The South Devon Herd Book Society is delighted to announce the judging panel for the 2026 National Herd Competition, with three highly respected breeders from across the country set to visit herds during the first week of September.

Representing a wealth of knowledge and experience, Nick Edwards (Colcharton Herd), Phillip Claridge (Knowlhill Herd) and Tim Bastard (Tregada Herd) will each assess herds in different regions before the winners are announced later this autumn.

Nick Edwards – Colcharton Herd, Devon

Leading this year’s judging team is Nick Edwards, whose Colcharton Herd enjoyed a hugely successful 2025, taking the National Herd Competition title.

Based at Colcharton Farm in Devon, the Edwards family have developed a herd renowned for producing cattle that combine style, functionality and commercial performance. Their breeding programme focuses on producing naturally fleshed, easy-care cattle with excellent maternal traits, and the herd has enjoyed consistent success both in the show ring and at Society sales.

Nick is a familiar face to South Devon members, regularly exhibiting and selling cattle at Society sales, as well as judging at agricultural shows across the country. His practical knowledge of the breed, together with his eye for functional, productive cattle, makes him an ideal choice to judge this year’s competition.

Phillip Claridge – Knowlhill Herd, Buckinghamshire

Joining Nick on the judging panel is Phillip Claridge from the Knowlhill Herd in Buckinghamshire.

Phillip and his family run a progressive farming business where South Devons play an important role within a commercial farming system. The Knowlhill Herd has become well known for breeding cattle that are fertile, easy fleshing and capable of thriving from forage-based systems, while maintaining the breed’s renowned temperament and maternal ability.

A respected breeder and stockman, Phillip has enjoyed success exhibiting South Devons and has judged the breed at a number of agricultural shows, including the 2024 South Devon National Show. His experience of balancing pedigree breeding with commercial practicality, alongside his keen eye for quality cattle, brings an important perspective to this year’s National Herd Competition.

Tim Bastard – Tregada Herd, Cornwall

Completing the judging panel is Tim Bastard from the Tregada Herd in Cornwall.

South Devons have been part of Tim’s life for as long as he can remember. The Tregada Herd was established by his grandfather in 1945, and today Tim continues that family tradition, running a herd of around 150 South Devon cattle.

With a lifetime spent breeding South Devons, Tim brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to this year’s judging panel. He has judged the breed at agricultural shows for many years and is a familiar face at Society events, where his understanding of the breed and appreciation for functional, productive cattle are highly respected.

Celebrating the Best of the Breed

The National Herd Competition remains one of the highlights of the South Devon calendar, recognising the dedication, breeding decisions and stockmanship of South Devon breeders across the UK. Each year the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the quality and diversity of herds, while celebrating the commitment of members to continually improve the breed.

Judging will take place during the first week of September, with winners announced at the National Herd Competition Winners’ Walk on Wednesday 23rd September.

The Society would like to thank Nick, Phillip and Tim for giving their time and expertise, and wishes all members taking part the very best of luck. We look forward to seeing another outstanding display of South Devon cattle from herds across the country.