Merryhill Blondes win national herd competition
Herefordshire beef farmer Mervyn Thomas has won this year’s British Blonde Society’s national herd competition for the best commercial herd.
Mr Thomas, from Hollingwood Farm, Abbeydore, Herefordshire, runs a herd of 100 British Blue cross cows put to high-index Blonde stock bulls, including Kinaston Viscount and Doncombe Exodus.
Mr Thomas beat stiff competition from six other regional finalists from across the UK in the final round to win the prestigious award. In close second was Peter Rogerson from the north of England.
Commenting on this year’s competition judge David Morris, from Aylesbury, said he was impressed at the uniformity of the calves.
“Mervyn was placed first due to the exceptional consistency of calves and the exceptional grades of his finished bulls, with 32% at E grade and 63% grading at U. Many farmers would be envious of these grades.”
The award presentation will take place at Carlisle Market on Friday, 25 October, prior to the Blonde sale.