The Salers classes at the 2025 Great Yorkshire Show delivered a superb showcase—none more so than from the Seawell herd of P.M. & S.M. Donger, who enjoyed an exceptional day in the ring. Their senior bull Seawell Tobago swept to victory, first securing the Senior Bull class and Male Championship before going on to be tapped out as the Overall Breed Champion by esteemed judge Colin McClymont of the Cuil herd. Tobago a February-2023 born bull by the imported bul Impeccable, bred from homebred Seawell Orella claimed the title. Seawell stock man Neil Brown also took the coveted stockman’s plaque.
A proven figure in Salers circles, Colin McClymont brought his considerable experience and discerning eye to the ring, praising the strength and depth of the entries and the quality of the top-end cattle. He described the champion as “a powerful, correct bull with tremendous breed character and presence—he’s the type of Salers we should be aiming to breed.”
It was a day of dominance for Seawell genetics, with the herd also producing the Female Champion in Seawell Raja, who had earlier taken the Cow Class. The Inka sired April-2020 born cow later stood as Reserve Overall Champion, reinforcing the consistency and breeding within the herd. Her balance, femininity, and maternal strength saw her standout in a very competitive female line-up.
In the junior section, another Impeccable sired bull this time bred from Seawell Opal, Seawell Understudy, continued the herd’s winning streak, being awarded Junior Male Champion and ultimately rising to claim the Overall Junior Championship.
But Seawell were not alone in the spotlight. Approach Farm Utopia, a Drumsleed Ricardo daughter, made a notable impression in the heifer lines, securing the Junior Heifer championship title and going on to stand as Overall Reserve Junior Champion. Meanwhile, Approach Farm Odette sired by Seawell Lithium, rounded off an exceptionally good day for the Gowthorpe family by taking Reserve Female Champion, finishing close behind Raja in a hotly contested cow class.
The Gentons entries from B. Facon made a strong and consistent impression in the Salers ring, particularly in the female section. In the Senior Heifer Class, Gentons Topaz sired by the imported bull Murphy, that led the way to win 1st place. The Gentons team also featured in the Pairs Competition, taking 2nd place behind Seawell.
Group competitions reflected the strength and quality in all herds on display, but once again it was Seawell that rose to the top, rounding off an exceptional show across the board.
Rigel Ulrich Poll sired by Rigel Polaris Poll, secured 4th place in a competitive Junior Bull Class, and importantly, was awarded the Arthur Beevers Cup for Best Polled Exhibit—a clear recognition of Rigel’s commitment to advancing polled genetics within the breed.
The 2025 GYS Salers judging not only underlined the increasing quality and competitiveness of the breed but also served as a reminder of the importance of the traditional Salers attributes in both breeding and commercial contexts. Judge Colin McClymont praised the exhibitors for the standard presented, noting a “tremendous uniformity of type, correctness, and style” throughout the day’s judging.
Salers Shine in Interbreed Competition at Great Yorkshire Show
The Salers breed enjoyed another major success at the 2025 Great Yorkshire Show, taking Reserve Supreme Interbreed Champion honours in a fiercely contested finale. Breed Champion, Seawell Tobago, exhibited by P M & S M Donger captured the prestigious title to much celebration.
This remarkable achievement showcases the breed’s growing impact on the national stage and highlights the quality and consistency of breeding within the Salers community. Congratulations to the Dongers and the entire Seawell team on this well-deserved recognition!
With enthusiastic spectators and strong classes, the Salers breed continues to build momentum and visibility at the UK’s premier livestock shows.
SHOW RESULTS
Cow Class
1 Seawell Raja (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
2 Approach Farm Odette (Approach Farm)
3 Cumbrian Jolie 916 (Cumbrian)
4 Manor Lane Pandora (Manor Lane)
Junior Heifer Class
1 Approach Farm Utopia (Approach Farm)
2 Seawell Valda (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Senior Heifer Class
1 Gentons Topaz (Gentons)
2 Cleuchhead Carat 1908 (Cleuchhead)
3 Gentons Tequila ET (Gentons)
4 Manor Lane Top Secret (Manor Lane)
Junior Bull Class
1 Seawell Understudy (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
2 Approach Farm Uno (Approach Farm)
3 Rigel Umpire (Rigel)
4 Rigel Ulrich Poll (Rigel)
Senior Bull Class (Born before 1 January 2024)
1 Seawell Tobago (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Pairs Competition
1 Seawell – Winners of the Jock Watson Trophy
2 Gentons Pedigree Livestock
3 Approach Farm
4 Rigel Pedigree
Group of Three
1 Seawell – Winners of the I’Ansons Trophy
2 Gentons Pedigree Livestock
3 Approach Farm
CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Breed Champion – Seawell Tobago (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Winner of the Rigel Cordelia Cup & 40th Anniversary Plaque
Reserve Breed Champion – Seawell Raja (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Winner of the KW Alternative Farm Feeds Cup
Male Champion – Seawell Tobago (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Winner of the Watson Trophy
Reserve Male Champion – Seawell Understudy (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Female Champion – Seawell Raja (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Winner of the Bents Farm Trophy
Reserve Female Champion – Approach Farm Odette (Approach Farm)
Overall Junior Champion – Seawell Understudy (P.M. & S.M. Donger)
Winner of the Junior Champions Cup
Reserve Overall Junior Champion – Approach Farm Utopia (Approach Farm)
Winner of the Dennis White Cup
Best Polled Exhibit – Rigel Ulrich Poll (Rigel)
Winner of the Arthur Beevers Cup
Stockman’s Award
Neil Brown – Seawell
