YASMIN Bradbury’s maximum scoring Holstein cow, Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody Ex97 6E, continued on her winning ways at Harrison and Hetherington's Borderway UK Dairy Expo at Carlisle, last weekend, to win a record breaking third Holstein championship and supreme overall.
The two-day dairy and business event, which attracted a best ever entry of 375 dairy animals from seven different breeds, also pulled in one of the biggest ever crowds.
“Visitors numbers continue to grow," said David Pritchard, operations director at Harrison and Hetherington. "I am thrilled the Dairy Expo continues to strengthen its position in the marketplace. The commitment of the exhibitors, who travel the length and breadth of the UK to attend, demonstrates the credibility of this event and the importance of being placed in the showring for future marketing opportunities.
“Every year, and very noticeably this year, the Expo serves as a host for important industry discussions and debates. This year it’s been the positivity in the industry and the ambitions of many attendees for future expansion and growth."
While there was an air of optimism surrounding the event, it was the cattle on parade that was most impressive.
"The Holstein show has been sheer quality from beginning to end – they have been outstanding, world class and something to behold," said Selwyn Donald, the breed judge, all the way from New Zealand, who also commented on the the show as a superb event.
Judge Selwyn Donald
"Congratulations must go out to the organisers, the herds' men and women, and all the people behind the scenes who have pulled out all the stops to produce a fantastic event, when you think of all the snow and the extremes of weather, you have all had in recent weeks. This event has been a fantastic, well-run show with top-end world class livestock, creating a great atmosphere to go with it."
As always, it was the Holstein classes that attracted the biggest crowds, with the ringside packed to the gunnels to see Yasmin Bradbury's well-known show cow, Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody – affectionately known as the Tank – crowned supreme Holstein and later grand champion of champions.
Supreme overall champion of champions 'The Tank'
This cracking Braedale Goldwyn-sired seventh calver from Sterndale, Derbyshire, swept in to secure a second consecutive supreme overall here and third in total, following a grand championship title at the Expo in 2014 and Supercow award at AgriScot the same year. The winner of the production class, she was well on form too, giving 55litres per day having calved in October, with her total takings to date amounting to a colossal 111,000litres.
Bred from no fewer than 13 generations of Ex classified cows, this show stopper brought out by Steve McLoughlin, runs aside a further 100 top breeding cows in the Peak and Sterndale herds, run in partnership with Bill Nadin, from Ferneydale, Buxton.
“This cow just epitomises dairy quality and style with great veination. I also just love rewarding the elder statewomen in the industry,” said Mr Donald.
“To see such a mature cow with great strength through the fore rib, udder and shape throughout and producing a phenomenal amount of milk, is what this industry is all about,” he added.
The event, which included the National show of British Friesians, saw some big wins for Scotland too, to include the reserve overall, won by the supreme Brown Swiss, Kedar Rhapsody, a third calver from Jonathan Lochhead’s Kedar herd from Beyond the Burn, Dumfries, paraded by partner, Jessica Miller.
Brown Swiss best and reserve overall from the Kedar herd
“We all reckoned this cow is the best Brown Swiss we have ever seen,” said coloured breed judge, Dean Malcolm, Australia, who together with the National Friesian show judge, Alan Timbrell, UK and Mr Donald, selected the overall and the reserve champion of champions.
“She is so well balanced and still boasts so much dairy character,” he said.
Another star performer in previous years, this big lady was champion here last year and reserve breed champion the previous year, while her dam, Kedar TD Reia, was a three times champion winner at the Expo.
Classified VG89 as a second calver, Kedar Rhapsody is giving 45litres per day having calved two weeks previously. A daughter of the Swiss sire, Vetschs Nesta Calvin, this third calver gave more than 9000litres at 4.4%BF and 3.75%P, in her last lactation.
The couple, who run 130 Brown Swiss on an organic system with a rolling average of 7600litres, scooped the majority of awards in the breed to include the reserve and honourable mention. Runner-up was the sixth calver, Kedar Vigor Heike Ex94, which calved in October and is giving 35litres per day. A daughter of the American sire, Sunmade Vigor, she is out of Kedar Becks Heike. Honourable mention was a maternal sister to the champion, Kedar Jongleurs Romance.
There were more celebrations to come for the Scots in the Ayrshire, Jersey, and Red and White sections.
Leading the Ayrshire breed was Mungo Bryson’s senior cow, Changue Martha 49, from Whiteflatt, Catrine, brought out by sons Callum and Alistair. Calved in November, this mature lady, by Changue Stadium and bred from Change Martha 39, was bought privately from Robert Stevenson some years ago and gave more than 11,000litres in her fifth. Another top show winner, she was champion here last year and at the Royal Highland, and since calving mid November is now producing 43litres per day.
Champion Ayrshire from Mungo Bryson
Following her to lift the reserve Ayrshire honours was Keith Davidson’s Halmyre Urr Louise 283 Ex91-2E, from Castle Douglas, which stood second in her class to the champion. This fourth calver was on her first outing since being shown at AgriScot as a heifer where she stood third in her class. Calved early December, she is giving 44litres, and is by Palmyra Tri-Star Burdette, out of a previous home-bred Louise.
Ayrshire-based Robbie Scott was another grinning from ear to ear, standing runner-up in the Red and White section and honourable mention amongst the Jerseys.
His best red and white was Nethervalley Savard Emma VG88 – last year’s champion winner at Craigie Show which went on to stand third at AgriScot. She is the result of the in-calf purchase Lemington Emma Ex, acquired at the Lemington dispersal, and sired by Savard. Calved her second in June 2017, Emma is currently giving 37litres per day and is due to sexed Awesome for August.
Izzy Laird showed the boys how it’s done amongst the Jerseys too, lifting the supreme overall with Fourcrosses Anthony Carroza. Izzy who runs four Jersey females alongside her husband Colin and his family’s better known Blythbridge Holstein herd, West Linton, went straight to the top with last year’s reserve winner, a third calver bred from her family’s Fourcrosses Jersey herd. Classified Ex90, this beauty which calved at Christmas and is giving 42litres per day having produced more than 8500litres in her second, is backed by home-bred genetics on both sides, being sired by Fourcrosses Allstar Anthony and out of Fourcrosses May Carroza. Notably, she also has two heifer calves at home – by Joel and Tequila.
Jersey champion from Izzy Laird
Supreme in the Red and Whites was David and Claire Jones’ winner from last year, Wiltor Chipper Rosie Red, which was also section champion at the UK Dairy Day, from the couple's pedigree Holstein herd based at Wilcrick, Magor, Monmouthshire. A descendant of the Roxie family, this big girl calved her third in December and is now giving 48litres per day having produced in excess of 11,000litres in her second. Notably, she boasts some interesting breeding, being homozygous polled as her dam, Holysprings Might Lawnrae, an ET from America, was bought locally, privately, and sired by Sandy Valley Chipper.
David Jones' Red and White leader
Richard Baynes’ 100-cow Marleycote herd from Hexham was again in the money amongst the Dairy Shorthorns too, lifted the red, white and blue sash and an honourable mention.
His supreme was Marleycote Patricia 20, which was second at the Great Yorkshire and Northumberland, last year. This cracker from the 100-cow herd, calved her third six weeks previously and is now yielding 49litres. Classified VG86, she is by Nejay Royalty and bred from a previous home-bred Patricia.
Dairy Shorthorn supreme from Richard Baynes
Last year's winner, Shaunlea Geri 6, from Shaun Dixon and Grace Holliday, this time has to settle with the bridesmaid's award. Geri, which is by Hylite Barbwire Red and bred from Strickley Geri 15, stood second in her class to the champion for Shaun, who works in an accountancy office, but keeps a few Shorthorns at Marleycote while also helping out with the show cattle there.
Reserve Holstein was in fact, the oldest in the section, Andrew and Jane Whittaker’s Knowlesmere Jordan Diamond Ex96, all the way from Wem, Shropshire, which stood second in her class to the supreme overall. Classified Ex96, and a former reserve senior here, this rising 14-year-old Roylane Jordan-sired cow, is bred from Knowlesmere Gibson Diamond.
Not to be outdone, the winner of the John Dennison award, Jimmy Wilson, son Hefyn and his son Ivan, lifted the blue and white sash amongst the Jerseys with Bluegrass Tequilas Blondette, a three-year-old bought privately from B and J Daw, over a year ago. Second in her class here last year and at the Royal Welsh, this Tower Vue Prime Tequila daughter bred from Bluegrass Jazzmans Blondette, calved in December and is giving 35litres per day.
LEADINGawards
Ayrshire
Maiden heifer born in 2017 – 1 and junior champion, ET Tomlinson and M Tomlinson’s Stardust Supreme Queenie, by Sandyford Supreme; 2, and honourable mention junior, ; 3, L Davidson and Sons’ Halmyre Urr Floralin 218, by Halmyre Urr Lieutenant.
In-calf heifer – 1 and reserve junior, AW Montgomerie’s Longwood Dreamer Marie 3, by Nexus Dreamer; 2, H Sanderson and JE Seedall’s Jamara Triclo Heather Honey, by Sandyford Triclo; 3, A Rimmer’s Holmeswood High Bella, by Calderglen Highland Hero.
Two-year-old milking heifer – 1, ET Tomlinson and Son’s Sandyford Provider Fragrance, by Richaven Provider; 2, Toi Toi Genetics’ Sandyford Burdette Clover 3, by Palymyra Tri-Star Burdette; 3, R Danforth’s Moathouse Emjest Mermaid, by Middle Emjest.
Three-year-old – 1 and honourable mention, J and K Rennie’s Brocklehill Burdette Honey, by Palmyra Tri-Star Burdette; 2, ET Tomlinson and Son and B Cruthers’ Sandyford Dark Fable, by Sandyford Dark Knight; 3, McLean Family’s Sandyford Real Punch, by Palmyra Tri-Star Reality.
Four-year-old – 1, W and A Watson’s Muir Ursula 51, by Palmyra Burdette; 2, Firm of DM Lindsay and H and L Batty’s Willowfields Winnie 2, by West Mossgiel Modern Reality; 3, R Danforth’s Halmyre Urr Mayflower 271, by Halmyre Urr Hunters Joe.
Senior cow – 1 and champion, M Bryson’s Changue Martha 49, by Changue Stadium; 2 and reserve champion, L Davidson and Sons’ Halmyre Urr Louise 283, by Palmyra Tri-Star Burdette
Brown Swiss
Maiden heifer born in 2017 – 1 and junior champion, Toi Toi Genetics’ Kedar Aurora, by Jolahofs Nesta Jenor; 2 and reserve junior, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Virestar Jodie, by Studers BS Vigur Virestar; 3, Messrs Williamson’s Blackrack Blooming Lavsanne, by Scherma Glenn Blooming. In-calf heifer – 1 and honourable mention, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Wonderment Juliet, by Top Acres C Wonderment.
Two and three year-old – 1, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Nescardo Sunrise, by Calingen Nesta Nescardo; 2, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Blooming Snow Drop, by Scherma Glen Blooming; 3, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Big Star Sinitta, by Zumbulhs Big Star.
Junior cow – 1 and champion, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Rhapsody, by Vetschs Nesta Calvin; 2 and honourable mention, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Jongleurs Romance, by Jolahoffs Polo Jongleur; 3, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Calvin Sanchia Maria, by Vetschs Nest Calvin. Senior cow – 1 and reserve champion, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Vigor Heike, by Sunmade Vigor; 2, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Seattle Glenda, by GS Profit Seattle; 3, T Lochhead and Sons’ Kedar Hupoly Christi 5, by Hupoly.
Red and White
Maiden heifer born in 2017 – 1 and junior champion, Panda Holsteins and JR Morse’s Auchensala Avalanche Liqueur Rd, by Mentholme Mr Apples Avalanche; 2, Panda Holsteins’ Panda Strike It Rich Red, by Mr Danielle Devour; 3, Panda Holsteins’ Panda Strick of Luck Red, by Mr Danielle Devour.
Maiden heifer born in 2016 – 1 and reserve junior, B Yates’ Eastford Awesome Tickle, by Luck E Absolute Red; 2, A Struthers and E Esquardo’s Parkend LA Striptease Red; 3, B Yates’ Eastford Incredibull Kiwi, by Riverdown Incredibull Red.
In-calf heifer – 1 and honourable mention, Maverick Holsteins’ Maverick Lady in Red, by Mr Ansly Addiction P Red; 2, A Rimmer’s Holmeswood Absolute Ella, by S-Apples Absolute Red; 3, Tynevalley Genetics’ Tynevalley Blueprint Tiara Red.
Two-year-old in-milk – 1 and honourary mention, B Yates’ Logan Integral Jodie, by Blondin Integral; 2, DW and CE Jones’ Wiltor Integral Jasmine Red, by Blondin Integral; 3, B Yates’ Logan Integral Jodie 3, by Blondin Integral.
Three-year-old – 1 and reserve ; 2, Riverdane Holsteins’ Riverdane Aikman Ghost, by Hen-I-Beq Aikman. Senior – 1 and champion, DW and CE Jones’ Wiltor Chipper Rosie Red, by Sandy Valley Chipper; 2, GG Baynes and Son’s Bruchag Talent Jewel Queen, by West Mossgiel Class Talent.
Jersey
Maiden heifer– 1 and junior champion, Samantha Wilson’s Haughton Premier Vested Interest, by Hawarden Impuls Premier; 2 and honourable mention junior, Mrs LJ Robertson’s, Olympic Tequila Milki, by Tower Vue Prime Tequila; 3, Samantha Wilson’s Haughton Vanilla Ice Showdown, by River Valley Spice Showdown.
In-calf heifer – 1 and reserve junior champion, Absolute Genetics’ Brightfuture Rumour Has It, by WF Amadeo Shyster; 2, R and E Butterfield’s Monument Colton Blackberry, by Chilli Action Colton; 3, A Fagg’s Tregibby Coltons Panama, by Chilli Action Colton.
Two-year-old in milk – 1, Mrs LJ Robertson’s Haughton Tequila Viva La Vida, by Tower Vue Prime Tequila; 2, JR and SE Dickinson’s Thurlstone Topeka Jo, by Heartland Merchant Topeka; 3, Long Ing Jerseys’ Long Ing Irwin Bangle, by All Lynns Valentino Irwin.
Three-year-old – 1 and reserve, AH Wilson and Son’s Bluegrass Tequilas Blondette, by Tower Vue Prime Tequila; 2, The Saxby Family’s Saxown Precision Cash 89, by Shellen Precision; 3, S Whittaker and J Doherty’s Firstlook On Time Harp, by Lencrest On Time.
Senior cow – 1 and champion, Blyth Farms’ Fourcrosses Anthony Carroza, by Fourcrosses Allstar Anthony; 2 and honourary mention, R and M Scott’s Monument Riley Canderel, by Chasin Rainbows Act Riley; 3, Absolute Genetics’ Brightfuture Miss Conduct, by Griffens Governor.
Dairy Shorthorn
Maiden heifer – 1 and junior champion, JM Fisher and Daughters’ Mossrigg Marcia 2, by Visstein K and L Picasso Red; 2 and honourable mention, D Dent and R Blenkharn, by Winbrook Jagger; 3, IRG Colllins and Partners’ Churchroyd Kirklevington 33, by Panda Red Factor Red.
In-calf heifer – 1 and reserve junior, S Dixon and G Holliday’s Shaunlea Geri 10, by Hylite Barbwire Red; 2, IRG Collins and Partners’ Churchroyd Fay 14, by Churchroyd Wildcard; 3, T Moscrop’s Irthingelt VI 5, by Blissful Teds Spurgeon.
Two-year-old in milk – 1, IRG Collins and Partners’ Churchroyd Pamela 20, by Churchroyd King Willie; 2, D Dent and R Blenkharn, by Winbrook Pedro.
Three-year-old – 1 and champion, GG Baynes and Son’s Marleycote Patricia 20, by Nejay Royalty; 2 and reserve, S Dixon and G Holliday’s Shaunlea Geri 6, by Hylite Barbwire Red; 3, IRG Collins and Partners’ Churchroyd Heather 82, by Lemon Grove Balagio.
Senior cow – 1 and honourable mention, GG Baynes and Son’s Marleycote Princess Jill 38, by Kayl Outback; 2, D Dent and R Blenkharn’s Winbrook V1 147, by Marleycote Al; 3, IRG Collins and Partners’ Churchroyd Bonte Wildeyes 41, by Atwell Atom.
Holstein
Autumn calf (Sept 1, 2017-Nov 30, 2017) – 1, R Veitch's Ve-tech Atwood Elegance 2, by Butz-Butler Atwood; 2, Tynevalley Genetics’ Tynevalley Unix Katrina, by Croteau Lesperron Unix; 3, Messrs Williamson’s Ingleden County Carolyn 2, by Edg Cat Door County. Summer calf (June 1 2017-Aug 31, 2017) – 1, Nobold and TLC Holsteins’ Nobold TLC Dempsey Jenn, by Lirr Drew Dempsey; 2, Firstlook and Jackpot Holsteins’ Firstlook Jackpot Sol Abrianna, by Walnutlawn Solomon.
Spring calf (Mar 1, 2017-May 31, 2017) – 1, Messrs Dennison’s Denmire Expander Roxy 81, by Santons Expander; 2, Messrs Dennison’s Denmire Expander Marie 454, by Stantons Expander:3, A and J Whitaker and Knowlesmere’s Knowlesmere Solomon SEP, by Walnutlawn Soloman. Winter yearling (Dec 1, 2016-Feb 28, 2017) 1, BL Davies and Son’s Davlea Doorman Ashlyn 2, by Val-Bisson Doorman; 2, C and AJ Woodhouse’s Shoreline Zeber Helen, by Go-Farm Zeber; 3, S and T Wake’s Blydale Miss GC, by Mr Chassity Gold Chip.
Autumn yearling (Sept 1 2016-Nov 30, 2016) – 1 and honourable mention Holstein, A and J Whittaker and Knowlesmere’s Knowlesmere Solomonn Diamond 2, by Walnutlawn Solomon; 2, Nobold, TLC and Brent Crutters’ Nobold TLC Miss Firecracker, by Mr Apples Armani; 3, A Sutton’s Hipsley Soloomon Alicia, by Walnutlawn Solomon.
Senior yearling (Mar 1, 2016-Aug 31, 2016) – 1 and junior Holstein champion, Firstlook, TLC and Woodhey Holsteins’ Blydale Lynn Fitz All, by Toc-Farm Fitz; 2 and reserve junior champion, Maverick Holsteins’ Sahara Drummer Sara, by Wilton Drummer; 3, AJ Whittaker and I and G Jones' Knowlesmere Jones Sol A No 1, by Walnutlawn Solomon.
Milking yearling – 1, B Yates’ Logan Integral Jodie, by Blondin Integral; 2, Berryholm and S Bailse’s Berryholme Gold Chip Maude 2, by Mr Chassity Gold Chip; 3, B Yates’ Logan Doorman Ambrosia 4, by Val-Bisson Doorman.
Junior two-year-old – 1, DW and CE Jones’ Wyndford Doorman Atlee 2, by Val-Bisson Doorman; 2, Firstlook and Blacklabel’s Firstlook Blacklabel LB Afligem, by Mr Apples Armani; 3, B and V Davison and D Willcox’s Nortonhill Silverhill Destina, by Seagull-bay Silver.
Senior two-year-old – 1, A and J Whittaker and Knowlesmere's Knowlesmere Meriden Izzy, by Sully Hart Meridian; 2, WJ Nadin and Co's Sterndale As Rae, by MS Atlees SHT Aftershock; 3, Evening Holsteins' Petteril Mincio Priscilla, by Bertaiola Mincio.
Junior three-year-old – 1 and reserve intermediate champion, AH Wilson and Son's Praire Saloon Lustre, by Sandyvalley Saloon; 2, S and T Wake's Blydale El Niro Missy, by Pine Tree Side; 3, Riverdane and Carldanton's Carldanton Brokaw Adeen, by Mr Atwood Brokaw.
Senior three-year-old – 1 and intermediate champion, Evening Holsteins' Riverdane Ashlyns Gold, by Mr Chassity Gold Chip; 2 and honourary mention intermediate champion, C and AJ Woodhouse's Shoreline Bossman Trudy, by Bassingthorpe Bossman; 3, BL Davies and Son's Davlea Bradnick Alicia, by Regancrest GVS Bradnick.
Four-year-old – 1, BL Davies and Son's Davlea Goldsun Raven, by Toc-Farm Goldsun; 2, BL Davies and Son's Davlea Lauthority Lulu, by Comestar Lauthority; Riverdane Holsteins' Riverdane Snow Rosabel, by Snowmaster. Five-year-old – 1, Evening Holsteins' Evening Stanley Cup Jennifer, by Gillette Stanley Cup; 3, McLean Family's Priestland Shot J Rose, by Picston Shottle.
Mature cow – 1 and honourary mention senior cow, Wormanby Farms and S and A Morley's Feizor Knowledge S Melody 3, by Sicy Knowledge; 2, Blyth Farms' Illens Atwood Australia, by Maple Downs IGW Atwood; 3, Riverdane and N and L Sercombe's Neatishall Decker Rosina, by Far-O-La Debbi-Jo Decker.
Production – 1, senior champion, supreme overall and grand champion of champions, Y Bradbury's Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody, by Braedale Goldwyn; 2 and reserve senior champion and reserve Holstein, A and J Whittaker and Knowlesmere's Knowlesmere Jordan Diamond, by Roylane Jordan; 3, Berryholme Holsteins' Berryholme Infloence Linda 3, by Berryholme Infloence.
Showmanship
(Judge: Ann Laird). Mature (21-25years) 1 and champion, Laura Cornthwaite; 2, Mark Guthrie; 3, Larissa Jones.
Senior (16-20years) 1 and reserve, Jonathan Woodhouse; 2 and honourable mention, Rosie Dennison; 3, Jennifer Veitch.
Intermediate (12-15years) 1, Georgianna Foster; 2, Caitlin Tonley; 3, Hollie Keenan.
Junior (11years and under) 1, Alfie Hay; 2, Abbie Montomerie; 3, Kyle Scott.
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