THE culmination of a tremendous event, the 2023 Borderway UK Dairy Expo at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, was when the Supreme Holstein, Evening Sidekick Jennifer, from Evening Holsteins, was crowned Overall Supreme Champion.
Hugh Kennedy of the Stair herd won the prestigious John Dennison award, and Alison Lawrie, from Maybole Ayrshire, won the Overall Showmanship the previous day.
Held on Friday and Saturday, March 10-11 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, despite the significant snow fall in some areas of the UK, thousands attended the event along with thousands watching it virtually from around the world through the livestream.
Hosted by Harrison & Hetherington, and with the event now in its second decade, its significance within the dairy sector continues to grow and evolve. Not only is it an important platform for showing some of the UK’s finest dairy cattle, it is also highly regarded as the showcase to highlight the industry’s latest technology, innovation, and research.
Across the seven dairy breeds represented there were a record number of cattle put forward for judging, with a considerable number of new consigners. Highlights of this year’s event and a full list of the day’s winners can be found at: www.borderwaydairyexpo.uk.
For Carlisle breeders, James and Louise Wilson from Evening Hill, Holsteins Thursby, scooping the top accolade on their doorstep at one of the UK’s noted dairy showcase events was a result that dreams are made of.
This second calver from the family’s 450-cow herd was shown by their daughter Charlotte. Last year’s grand champion, the Red and White Riverdane Miss Awesome Strawberry, from Mark and Sue Nutsford of Cheshire, was Reserve Supreme.
James Wilson said, on receiving the accolade, “Amazing! We have shown here at Dairy Expo for the last 10 years and it is just fantastic to scoop this award on our own doorstep for a homebred cow, shown by our daughter Charlotte, what more could you ask for?”
On announcing the Supreme Champion to an anticipating audience, on behalf of the judges, Nathan Thomas from Ohio in the USA, said: “It is always a challenge to judge such a fantastic line up of cattle, but the Holstein overall was freer and easier on her feet and legs and the way she moves herself is incredible.”
Making further comment, Nathan’s wife Jennifer who judged the Red & White, Jersey, and Ayrshire, said: “The calibre of the stock was incredible, and the champions were top notch cattle. This has been a great show, the staff and management have done a great job. The atmosphere has been outstanding.”
Given in memory of the highly regarded breeder of Denmire Holsteins, the 2023 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Hugh Kennedy formerly of the Stair Holstein herd, West Carngillan, Ayrshire.
On receiving his award, Hugh said: “This is unbelievable, and I am absolutely speechless. Cows have been my life, and I loved John Dennison, he was one of my heroes and one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever meet. I am so very humbled to receive this recognition.”
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