Father and son duo, Keith and Colin Davidson, Halmyre, Castle Douglas, have come up trumps to win the Scottish Grassland Society's annual silage competition.

Judge Mike Martin of Garguston, Muir of Ord, a former winner of the North of Scotland silage competition, had to select a supreme from the three regions – South-west Scotland, East of Scotland and North of Scotland.

"The standard of all three finalists in the three grassland society areas was, as I had expected, of a very high calibre and demonstrated their enthusiasm to make grass contribute to the success of their business," said Mr Martin, who was accompanied by BGS regional council member, Ian Whiteford of Hilltarvit, Cupar.

"Attention to detail proved key for the overall winners. Their dairy cow rations were well formulated to make full use of their excellent silage and the way the father and son worked together was most impressive.

"Son Colin took full responsibility for the pit work and made sure there was no waste on the top, sides and face of the pit. The pit is filled across the whole area not in a wedge shape and there is time given to consolidate the silage before being covered with Kling, a plastic sheet and then green silage cover."

Father Keith, who is president of the Ayrshire Cattle Breed Society, took great pleasure in showing his prized Ayrshire cattle herd of 200 cows, of which a percentage of the milk is made into ice cream, managed by Keith's wife Jane, and sold at various venues in the area.

"This is an excellent example of diversification with all the family involved," added Mr Martin.

A close second place was awarded to North of Scotland winner, John Shand, Chapelford, Clachan, Buckie, who now fattens cattle, mainly heifers on a silage-based diet. His attention to detail and use of silage – feeding only a small percentage of cereal in the ration making the maximum use of the grass – impressed the judge.

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