The 81st Liskeard Prime Stock Show, held in the cattle market on Monday, and the first of the autumn showing season, was a shop window for the excellent quality produced by South East Cornwall's own beef and sheep farmers, and from further afield.

Although the overall numbers were down on the previous year, a reflection of the present difficult times in agriculture, it was pleasing to see an increase in the open cattle classes.

The championship beast, and winner of the Gordon Shepherd Perpetual Cup was Doctor Jack (DJ), a 21 month old Limousin Cross owned by Nigel and Elizabeth Bunkum of Tregarrick Farm, Merrymeet. This made it a double for them as they also produced the 1998 champion. The delighted couple, who two years ago were winners of the Otter Trophy for their contribution to conservation on farm land, intend to take DJ on to the Wadebridge and Helston shows.

Cattle judge Gerald David of Minehead, Somerset, attending for the first time, was full of the highest praise for all the entries describing them as 'fantastic quality'. He said 99 per cent of the cattle were good and he was pleased to have judged them. He said the winner and the reserve were two marvellous cattle, good around the shoulders and loin, with a good back end and nicely finished.

It was a particularly good day for Show President Peter Hooper of Kivells, who had the pleasure of presenting the Peter Gillbard Cup for the reserve champion to his wife Margaret. There was a cheer as she received the cup and a kiss from her husband. Mr Hooper said the presidency was a great honour to him, especially as he was following in the footsteps of his late father, Mr Reg Hooper, who had been president in 1971.

In the sheep pens, judge Mr W Cleave of Beaworthy awarded the championship to a pair of February Texel lambs shown by Michael and Margaret Blake of Old Solomon's Farm, Latchley, Gunnislake. He described the winners as very good Texels which were evenly matched.

The Blake's who run a flock of 120 Texels and cross breeds, including Dartmoors, also won the best heavyweight and champion pen and the best pen of five lambs in the commercial classes.

In congratulating the show committee, in particular the secretary Paul Haddock, for the work they had put in to attract the entries, Mr Hooper said there was little doubt the British Farmers were the forerunners in Europe for their beef and other animal products, which was clearly reflected in the quality of the show. His comments were seconded by chairman John Sheer who said he hoped the Liskeard show would be the start of a good run for all the exhibitors in the shows to follow. He said the prices should also start to improve now in the run up towards Christmas.

Present throughout the day was the Mayor of Liskeard, Councillor Roger Holmes, who in a speech at the after show luncheon at Hotel Nebula, said he was very keen to enhance the links between Liskeard and its rural hinterland on which it depended for its economic and social life.

'It may be said that when agriculture sneezes the town sneezes too' said Mr Holmes. ' It is not just a matter of the direct link via the market and the people it brings in. A country market town cannot thrive with a depressed hinterland'. He said he would be suggesting to the Town Council that Mr Chris Collins of the National Farmers Union be invited to address a meeting on the subject of the practical relationship of the town and the surrounding countryside with a particular reference to farmers' markets.

Cattle winners:

(Specials) Gordon Shepherd Perpetual Cup - N E and E J Bunkum; Peter Gillbard Challenge Cup - Mrs M Hooper; Tom Doran Cup - N E and E J Bunkum; Creber Memorial - N E and E J Bunkum; A W Bersey for the best South Devon - Peter Rowe, Menheniot; Bill Vickery Rosebowl - N E and E J Bunkum; Jones of Clennicks Cup - N E and E J Bunkum; Arthur Tamblyn for best Charolais or Charolais Cross - Mrs Margaret Hooper, Rosecraddoc; R G Hooper Challenge Cup - Mrs M Hooper; P R Hooper Challenge cup for exhibitor who has not previously won a first prize in open cattle classes - Mr D Luxton, Okehampton; Anthony Mosley Cup and Commemorative Photo - Gayle Bersey, Downderry; L E Thomas and Son Cup for best local steer - N E and E J Bunkum; Byron Geach for best steer or heifer in Caradon District - Peter Rowe; Roskilly and Henwood Cup through Mr G L Martin for best commercial steer or heifer - N E and E J Bunkum; Terry Heller Cup for Young Farmers member - Mrs B J Thomas, North Hill.

Sheep: Creber Memorial Cup for best pair in show - M A Blake; Bob Bersey for best butchers lambs - K J Ellery, St Columb; Andrew Bunt Cup for best pair of breeding ewes - Mr J Rowe, Lansallos; Terry Congdon Cup for best in Young Farmers Club class - Ian Rowe, Landrake YFC; Walter Ford Cup for best pen of five lambs - M A Blake.