George Burrell Wins Glendale Agricultural Society Herd Competition
George Burrell of Broom Park, near Alnwick, has won the 2026 Glendale Agricultural Society Herd Competition with an impressive field of 99 Aberdeen Angus cows with calves at foot.
Sponsored by Harrison & Hetherington, this year’s competition attracted entries from 11 different herds across north Northumberland, stretching from south of the Scottish border to north of the river Aln.
The competition was judged by respected cattle breeder James Playfair-Hannay of Morebattle Tofts, who spent the day visiting each of the entered herds and assessing the quality, uniformity and presentation of the cattle.
George Burrell was awarded first place for his herd of 99 Aberdeen Angus cows with calves at foot, presented together in one field at Broom Park, near Alnwick.
Runner-up was Hedgeley Farms, near Powburn, for a field of Belted Galloway cows with calves at foot, presented by Farm Manager Vicki Hogg.
The award for Best Individual Animal went to James MacGregor of East Loanend, near Horncliffe, for his calf.
Bill Elliot, Competition Organiser and Head Livestock Steward at the Glendale Show, said: “It was a wonderful day, with 11 excellent herds stretching from the River Aln to the River Tweed. The quality of the cattle was outstanding and gave our judge an extremely difficult task.
“On behalf of the Glendale Agricultural Society, I would like to congratulate all our winners and thank every farmer who welcomed us onto their farm. Our thanks also go to James Playfair-Hannay for giving his time and expertise, and to Harrison & Hetherington for their generous support of the competition.”
Tom Storey Auctioneer for Harrison & Hetherington said: “We were delighted to sponsor this year’s Glendale Agricultural Society Herd Competition, which provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate the quality of cattle being produced across north Northumberland.
“The standard throughout the competition was extremely high, and we congratulate George Burrell on taking first place, as well as Hedgeley Farms and James MacGregor on their awards. We would also like to congratulate everyone who entered and helped make the competition such a tremendous showcase for the region’s cattle producers.”
Introduced in 2025, the Glendale Agricultural Society Herd Competition recognises and celebrates excellence in cattle breeding, herd management and stockmanship across north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.