Premier Herd Regional Finalists Announced - Cowsmo

Premier Herd Regional Finalists Announced

Seven herds have been identified as the best within their region and are now recognised as finalists in Holstein UK’s 2017 Premier Herd Competition. Regional competitors were nominated by Holstein Breeders Clubs and, following judging, the regional winners are confirmed as follows:

  • Scotland – Mr Jack Brewster of the Boclair Herd
  • Northern Ireland – N McCann of the Simlahill Herd
  • Eastern – Messrs Winter of the Corringham Herd
  • Western – R J &H Clare of the Hawksmoor Herd
  • Northern – G B Moorhouse of the Aireburn Herd
  • Southern – Mr Dennis Smith of the Oakroyal Herd
  • Welsh – W P & E G Williams of the Waliswood Herd

The first stage of the competition is for each Club to invite a judge to decide on their winning herd, which is then put forward to Holstein UK to take part in the regional rounds. Nominations are entirely at the discretion of the Club on the basis of qualification standards and the rules provided by Holstein UK to Club Secretaries.

All qualifying regional winners are leading premier herds, consisting of animals which are 90% UK bred (01, 12, 20 breed code). The national winner will claim the prestigious title at this year’s UK Dairy Day, the industry’s leading trade event, held at Telford International Centre on Wednesday 13th September.

Andrew Birkle, Holstein UK Chairman
Andrew Birkle, Holstein UK Chairman

In order for the national winner to be chosen, Andrew Birkle, Holstein UK Chairman and winner of last year’s competition, will visit the seven regional winners. This will be done during the weeks commencing 28th August and 4th September, with each farm being visited at the same time of day to ensure consistency.

Andrew Birkle, Holstein UK Chairman, commented, “Holstein UK is Europe’s largest independent dairy breed society offering a range of services focused on improving the genetics and profitability of the Holstein and British Friesian breeds. Our awards are an important part of our membership activity, with many perfecting breeding techniques to claim recognition and credibility within the industry – they of course also offer healthy competition. Our Premier Pedigree Herd Competition is amongst the most renowned of our awards and receives a huge amount of interest. Once the overall champion is announced at UK Dairy Day, they go on to host a farm open day next year, which will be a chance for us all to learn more about the winners’ farm, herd and management. We congratulate the seven worthy finalists and look forward to the final verdict this September!”

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