With the Prime Minister looking on, it was a ‘Hereford from Hereford’ that picked up the top prize in the breed’s cow and calf class at the prestigious Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells last week.

Phil Allman, of Amberley Court, Sutton St Nicholas, was the proud owner of winning cow Greenyards 1 Hannah.

And he said David Cameron was pleased to see the county’s farmers representing well in their namesake category.

“He said it was good to see a Hereford from Hereford winning,” said Mr Allman who runs the farm with his wife Alison.

“He came along and had a chat – he was interested in the breed.”

Despite that interest, the PM was not granted the judging responsibilities – that privilege went to another Herefordian, Robert Thomas, from Risbury Court in Leominster.

Mr Thomas, who comes from a long line of farmers, was judging his first major show.

He said: “It was a great honour to be judging.

“It’s one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country if you look at the number of people involved.

“And meeting the Prime Minister was a real bonus.”

Mr Thomas explained to Mr Cameron, along with Defra secretary Liz Truss, what it is judges look for in a champion Hereford.

“He seemed to be enjoying himself,” said Mr Thomas, who added that while the PM was ‘in the ring’ at 11am, he was back in the House of Commons by 3pm.

“It’s what they need to do with an election coming up.”

Geoff Thomas, Robert’s father, also judged at agricultural shows and his son, Richard, now runs the family farm, with his assistance.

Before the Royal Welsh – which attracted almost a quarter of a million visitors throughout the week – Mr Thomas had judged Herefords in smaller shows, both sides of the border.

Next weekend he will be in Tenbury, stewarding for its annual show.

He said: “It’s my passion, judging and being around Herefords.”