KILMAURS GOT the summer show season off to a glorious start on Saturday as exhibitors and spectators basked in the sunshine of the Scott Ellis playing fields, Kilmarnock.

Leading the Holstein section was Holywood Goldwyn Frankie, from James Caldwell and Sons, Baltersan Mains, Maybole. This third calver is a daughter of Goldwyn and, having calved in October, is still giving 40 litres a day. Classified Ex92, she was on her first show outing.

Standing reserve was Allian Shottle Miss Lolli, from Robert Veitch's Ve-Tech Holsteins, Strandhead, Tarbolton. This four-year-old Picston Shottle daughter was bought as a second calver and is the dam of a heifer calf which stood first at the All Britain Calf Show. Calved in February, she is producing upwards of 50 litres.

Eight-year-old Jack Cuthbertson was at the halter of the sole Ayrshire entry and thus to his delight the overall breed champion! Jennifer, his home-bred November-born heifer calf from the family farm at Monkland, Kilmarnock, is sired by Soccer Red.

There was much stronger line-up in the beef cattle section where James Nisbet, Sorn Mains, Mauchline, fought off the competition to take supreme with Flavia. This 17-month-old heifer was bought from Hugh and Lynne Dunlop at Caledonian Marts' September show and sale where James was the judge. By Powerhouse Elite and out of a Limousin cross British Blue dam, Flavia is destined for Ayr and the Highland.

Standing reserve was Gareth Scott, Meikle Ittington, Ardrossan, with Mickey Bubbles, a 13-month-old Atilla-sired calf, bought last month at the Caledonian Marts' sale from Jean Mackay. It was bred by the Robertsons at Newton of Logierait.

Leading the pure-bred beef classes was Harelaw Hoffman, a rising two-year-old British Blue from Jean Mackay, Harelaw, Barrhead. By Harperland Wardance and out of Todhall Ellie, this bull is destined for the Carlisle sale in May, unless he is sold privately beforehand.

See this week's issue of The Scottish Farmer, out April 26, for the full report from Kilmaurs Show, including all the leading awards and photos of the winners in the beef lines.