After being crowned Junior Champion at Dairy Expo in 2025, 18-year-old Calum is already firmly focused on the next challenge as he prepares to compete in the senior classes at Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2026.
Originally from Wishaw, just south of Glasgow, Calum now lives in East Kilbride, close to Drumtall Farm, where his family keeps a carefully managed herd of around 100 head of youngstock. The herd represents three generations of breeding, built up with the support of his parents and grandparents, and it has formed the foundation of Calum’s passion for dairy showing.
Calum lived in town until the age of nine, when his parents made the decision to move closer to the farm to allow him to become more involved in day-to-day work alongside his grandfather. That move proved to be pivotal, giving him early exposure to cattle and to the discipline and commitment required in the dairy industry.
Showing has been part of Calum’s life for as long as he can remember, driven largely by the enthusiasm of his father, David Gray, who first introduced him to the show ring. Since then, the opportunities showing has provided have taken Calum far beyond home, with experiences across the UK including Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland and Cornwall, as well as internationally to Toronto, Canada.
One of the standout moments of his young career came when he thought he was being presented with a cheque for his 18thbirthday and it turned out to be a trip to Canada to work with Clarke Valley Holsteins, one of the country’s most highly regarded breeding operations. Although the trip lasted just nine days, it left a lasting impression.
While in Toronto, Calum was involved in preparing cattle that went on to achieve overall black and white championship honours. He describes the experience as eye-opening, particularly in terms of how advanced Canadian operations are when it comes to breeding, conditioning and exhibiting cattle.
From that experience, Calum took away three major lessons. The first was the importance of diet and conditioning, ensuring animals are fit and athletic rather than over-fed. The second was the significance of presentation and handler mannerisms, including posture, confidence and how both animal and exhibitor are read together in the ring. The third was the level of daily care and preparation required at the very top end, from meticulous washing routines to constant attention to cleanliness, health and detail.
For Calum, the buzz of showing remains unmatched. He describes the feeling of stepping into the centre of the ring as the moment when all the hard work comes together, with winning providing the icing on the cake. He is quick to add, however, that losing is just as important, believing that the more setbacks you experience, the better the wins feel when they come.
Alongside his father, Calum credits several mentors for helping shape his approach, including Andrew and Debbie McKellar, Jake Manning from Staffordshire, and David Brewster from near Glasgow. The best advice he has ever been given, he says, is to always observe those around you and never stop learning.
As he moves into the senior ranks, Calum’s own advice to younger exhibitors is simple. Watch the seniors closely, study how they conduct themselves, and be careful to pick up good habits rather than bad ones.
Looking ahead, Calum hopes to continue showing at the highest level internationally, while longer term he plans to establish his own small herd of dairy milking cows. For now, he remains focused on developing his skills and learning as much as possible within the industry.
Winning Junior Champion at Borderway Dairy Expo remains a standout moment. “It was the best feeling I’ve ever had,” he says. Beyond the results, Calum values the camaraderie that showing brings, noting that farming can often be a lonely profession and that showing plays a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening the industry community.
