Dairy Expo 2019
Ambrosia is the Crème de la Crème Champion of Champions at Borderway UK Dairy Expo
Record crowds gather for prestigious dairy event at Carlisle.
Following an unprecedented turnout of world class animals and visitors, the ultimate Champion of this year’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo, held by Harrison & Hetherington at Borderway in Carlisle, was the incredible Holstein cow, Sahara-Sanchez Ambrosia 3, owned by Mark and Sue Nutsford and Michael and Barbara Hollins from Cheshire.
Champion of Champions, Sahara-Sanchez Ambrosia 3
This now prominent dairy industry event, which was held on Saturday 9th March, attracted record crowds and proved, once again, to be the leading platform for the UK’s exceptional dairy genetics and industry products and services.
As expected, the ring drew huge interest and excitement with the crowd treated to a spectacular display of exceptional animals from 7 dairy breeds and totalling over 400 head. But without doubt, the star was Sahara -Sanchez Ambrosia 3. This outstanding animal, who also won the Interbreed SuperCow Champion at AgriScot in November 2018, is sired by Gen-Mark Stmatic Sanchez, out of Smiddie Toystory Ambrosia and is classified EX94.
The overall winner, joint owner, Michael Hollins, said: “I am speechless. This is a tremendous cow and a great milker. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this happen; those who look after the animals here at the show and those at home. They have great attention to detail, day in and day out.”
Judge, Carl Saucier, who travelled from Québec in Canada to judge at the event and has worked with some of the biggest names in dairy genetics, said of the results: “This cow was an easy winner. She had the best udder of the show and so much length to her frame, openness of rib and overall dairy style.
I am very impressed with the quality here today. This Dairy Show is a beauty contest and the Champion was the most beautiful cow here, with a fantastic mammary system.”
The breed Champions are as follows:
Holstein
Champion – Sahara-Sanchez Ambrosia 3, Riverdane & Barmick
Reserve Champion – Evening Stanleycup Jennifer, Evening Holsteins
Hon Mention – Wiltor Beemer Sara, JD & ME Holgate
Ayrshire
Champion – Sandyford Prime Heather Honey, Tomlinson & Beth Granvill
Reserve Champion – Sandyford Lucky Florrie, ET Tomlinson & Son
Hon Mention – Sandyford Supreme Fable 2, ET Tomlinson & Son
Jersey
Champion – Clifton Vanahlem Clover, R & M Scott
Reserve Champion – Clydevalley Excitation Magic, G Lawrie
Hon Mention – Monument Chrome Regina, R & M Scott
British Friesian
Champion – Oakalby Quadrant Cathy 50, ES Burroughs & Son
Reserve Champion – Adams Laura 6, B Lawson & Sons
Hon Mention – Oakalby Vienna Debbie 22, ES Burroughs & Son
Red and White
Champion – Richaven Absolute Stocking Red, R A Bown
Reserve Champion – Eastford Atomium Kiwi Red, Eastford Holsteins
Hon Mention – Sterndale Alchemy Noel Red, WJ Nadin
Brown Swiss
Champion – Kedar Rhapsody, T Lochhead & Sons
Reserve Champion – Kedar Vigor Heike, T Lochhead & Sons
Hon Mention – Kedar Alino Sozzle, Messrs Williamson
Shorthorn
Champion – Irthingelt Vi 5, T Moscrop
Reserve Champion – Tanat Rosemary 2nd, PR Bailey & Sons
Hon Mention – Churchroyd Fay 11, IRG Collins & Partners
This year, livestock entries were in excess of 400, up from 370 animals in 2018, which in itself was a 10% jump from the previous year. Many new commercial exhibitors were also in attendance, recognising the importance of this event for the dairy industry.
David Pritchard, Joint Managing Director at Harrison & Hetherington, said: “We have had a fantastic show today. Dairy Expo is a key date in the dairy industry’s calendar, and we have had all elements of the industry showcased. There have been demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment, the latest technology and machinery, as well as strong attendance from the breed societies. The businesses and genetic companies have been offering the latest information and advice to help dairy farmers to maximise production and minimise costs.”
“Of course, another key element of Borderway UK Dairy Expo is the showcase of livestock, and today we have seen the largest number of entries ever. The quality of stock has been outstanding, and I would like to thank all of the exhibitors, and those winners who have taken home rosettes, ribbons and trophies.
Our next generation of dairy men and women is another very important focus for this event, so, I was delighted that we had almost sixty entries across the showmanship classes as it demonstrates that we have committed young people who are keen to take the industry forward.”
Young Showmanship Results
Champion – Alison Hunter (21), Maybole, Ayrshire
Reserve Champion – Johnny Woodhouse (20), Bootle, Cumbria
Hon Mention – Robert Morley (18), Penrith, Cumbria
Alison Hunter was also the lucky recipient of a trip, kindly sponsored by Toi Toi Genetics, to attend one of the industry’s most anticipated events, the European Confrontation being held in Belgium. This is an exclusive opportunity offered at the Dairy Expo and new to 2019.
Showmanship Supreme Champion, Alison Hunter of Maybole, Ayrshire
On announcing the showmanship winners, Showmanship Judge, Ben Yates, said: “This has been a fantastic competition and the standard has been really high. For me, the highlight was when we had 25 handlers in the Mature Handlers class and at such an outstanding standard. Of course, this takes nothing from our other classes, they really were strong and in-depth and the commitment from the younger members was fantastic. It was a pleasure to get out there.
My Champion, Reserve and Honourable Mention – were three outstanding handlers, they really did a super job and were faultless. It was great to see so many handlers and the show that was put on here for them today was a pleasure to judge, and I really did enjoy it very much.”
Junior Champions
Ayrshire
Champion – Sandyford Trico Fable, Thomlinson, Crothers & Timbrell
Reserve – Sandyford Supreme Clover, ET Thomlinson & Son
Hon Mention – Allstar Tricky Honesty, Evie Tomlinson
British Friesian
Champion – Gemini Ignitor Primrose 3, B Lawson & Sons
Reserve – Gemini Quaich Sky Pauline 2 , T Barrell & A Malt.
Hon Mention – Gemini Solo Cher 2, T Barrell & A Malt
Brown Swiss
Champion – Kedar Aurora, Toi Toi Genetics
Reserve – Kedar Big Star Shania, T Lochhead & Sons
Hon Mention – Kedar Norwin Angel, Atomic Brown Swiss.
Shorthorn
Champion – Shaunlea Geri 18th, SE Dixon & G Holliday
Reserve – Churchroyd Heather 119, IRG Collins & Partners
Hon Mention – Bilbro Dewdrop Rose 106, M Jackson
Holstein
Champion – Denmire Expander Roxy 81, Messrs Dennison
Reserve – Knowlesmere Toitoi Defiant Dream Red, Knowlesmere, Jones & Firstlook
Hon Mention – LH Kedar Lindsays Let Rip, T Lochhead & Sons
Jersey
Champion – Monument Engineer Blackberry, K E Jenkinson
Reserve – Blythbridge Tequila Rumour, Mungo Bryson & Son
Hon Mention – Longing Excitation Islanders Daydream, E G Armitage
Red & White
Champion – Knowlesmere Toi Toi Defiant Dream Red, Knowlesmere, Jones & Firstlook.
Reserve – Panda Emerald Fools Gold Red, Panda Holsteins
Hon Mention – Futureproof Absolute Cockella, A & JE Smith
The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented every year at the Dairy Expo and is in memory of the highly regarded breeder of Denmire Holsteins, was this year awarded to Bill Nadin from Sterndale Holsteins, based in Derbyshire.
On receiving his award, Bill said: “I am totally surprised and delighted to accept this award, and would like to thank Yasmin, the family and staff who have made it happen. Thank you very much also to the Dennison family.”
Testament to the success of Borderway UK Dairy Expo is also demonstrated through the continued support it receives from its mainline sponsors; Holstein UK, CIS, HSBC, Norbrook, Farmers Guardian and Carrs Billington.
For more information on Borderway UK Dairy Expo please visit www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk
