Recently in Agri Scot Category

This year's AgriScot was branded the best show ever by chairman Andrew Moir with some 8,000 - 9,000 visitors.

 

The individual cow results are as follows:

Class 5: Red and White Cow

1st: W J Nadin & Co's Sterndale Deuce Rose Red

2nd: L Davidson & Sons' Halmyre Urr Louise 209

Class 6: Jersey Junior Cow

1st: Murray Farms' Trecanda Vindication Lily

2nd: G B Moorhouse's Saxown Lexington Cash 64

Class 7: Holstein Junior Cow

1st: R A Bown's Richaven Shottle Squaw

2nd: W J Nadin & Co's Sterndale Shottle Ghost

Class 8: Ayrshire Junior Cow

1st: R A Bown's Loukat Lucky

2nd: John Adamson & Son's Swaites Bunce 4

Class 9: Jersey Senior Cow

1st: The Hunter Family's Clydevalley Julian Flora

2nd: W & J Templeton's Braymeadow Lends Sophie

Class 10: Holstein Senior Cow

1st: B & V Davidson's Errolston Damion Rikki

2nd: W & A Watson's Muir Damion Eliza

Class 11: Ayrshire Senior Cow

1st: G Templeton's Knowe Bertha 193

2nd: J & M Barr's Calderglen Silverbell 7

The title of overall supercow went to a Holstein junior cow from Richard Bown, Northfield Farm, near Worcester.

Returning to Agri-Scot for the first time since 2003, Mr Bown presented this second calver which is by Picston Shottle ET.  Richaven Shottle Squaw calved three weeks ago and is giving 57 litres a day.  She was champion heifer at the South West Dairy Show in 2010 and took champion heifer at this year's Royal Norfolk.

Judge Ashley Fleming said:  "This is a tremendous individual.  She has a long body with a hard top, and for a big cow, she moves excellently well with tremendous feet and legs."

Mr Bown said he plans to take her onto the European showing circuit in spring 2012.  He currently keeps 82 cows, with nine red and whites, and the rest being black and whites.

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE COW RESULTS

The Ralston Family, from East Drumlemble, Campbeltown, have scooped the prestigious title of AgriScot Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year.

 

This is the first time the award, which is sponsored by World Wide Sires, has been awarded to an Ayrshire herd.

 

 

 

The family have been farming in Campbeltown since 1908, and father Willie, wife Catherine and sons Andrew and Murray are all involved in the business milking 200 Ayrshires, selling to First Milk for Mull of Kintyre Cheese.  They average at 7,900 litres.

 

Willie Ralston said of the win:  "We have a large number of seven, eight and nine calvers and our fertility has been consistent with a calving index of 392."

 

Judge Sue Cope, executive director of the Cattle Information Service, said:  "Not only do the Ralstons have a great herd of cows with fantastic management right from the new born calf to the mature herd but they have constantly planned and improved buildings for cow comfort and made new and wise use of the older buildings.

 

"They have also well thought out management plans in operation and for the future, continued detailed attention to sire selection, the use of sexed semen but never forgetting the key stockmanship skills.  I am sure every retail milk buyer would love to have this herd as a supplier."

A Jersey heifer has been crowned supreme heifer at this year's AgriScot event in Edinburgh.  Clydevalley Governor Flora is by Griffens Governor ET and was put forward by the Hunter family, West Tarbax Farm, Lanarkshire.

This one was shown by Alison Hunter, who said "she has never been beaten" and today's title follows on from the success of breed heifer champion at this year's Highland Show.

Judge Ashley Fleming, Downpatrick, Co. Down, said:  "When you are in this you are looking for a heifer that comes to the top of her breed.

"This one had tremendous ring presence; she went around the ring really enjoying herself.  She has a tremendous, long body and moves exceptionally well with really good legs and feet."

FOR MORE HEIFER RESULTS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

A couple more of the cow classes have been judged here and the Holstein junior cow class was won by ADI Cattle Corp and Ponderossa Holsteins with Danevalley Jordan Posh 3, a Roylane Jordan daughter. Second was Wilfred Maddocks with Wyndford Satisfaction Rebeccea 20, a Styche Satisfaction daughter. And third was C T Dent with Bridge End Modest Jeanie, a Regancrest-LH Modest daughter.

In the Jersey junior cow class the winner was Trecanda Vindication Lily from S and S Murray, she is by Vindication CJCC, second was Goodtime Vindication Order from J and I Wilson and third was Ijb Signatures Fledgling 2 from S and S Murray.

The first of the cow classes have been judged here at AgriScot, with the Brown Swiss class being won by T Lochhead and Sons with Kedar Becks Karolin, a VG85 classified Kedar Becks daughter. Second here was J Lochhead with Kedar Beretta Ossi, an Cimarron Special Beretta daughter and third went to T Lochhead and Sons with Kedar Seattle Lollo, this one is by GS Prophet Seattle.

The Ayrshire junior cow class went to Messrs Lawrie with Brieryside Anita 4, a Brieryside Pure Gold daughter. Second was John Adamson and Son with Swaites Nonny 5, a Rosehill Blackthorn daughter. Taking third place was W S Millar and Son with Caldervale Betina 71, a Hunnington Admiral daughter.

Winning the Super Heifer title here at AgriScot was the Holstein heifer champion Parkend Jacob Betsy from Brian Weatherup.

This is a March 2007-born Bilsrow Jacob daughter which has been calved 11 months and was previously Holstein champion at this year's Royal Highland Show, as well as being heifer champion at this year's National All Breeds show, she is classified VG89. She has given 11,500kg so far in her heifer lactation at 3.98% butterfat and 3.12% protein and is out of Parkend Dante Betsy, a Regancrest Elton Dante daughter. She is due to calve again in May to England Ammon Million and is one of 180-cows milked at home by the Weatherup family.No reserve was awarded, but judge Brian Carscadden, Ontario, Canada, said he had narrowed the final choice down to three, the Holstein, the Red and White Holstein and the Jersey champions.

The Red and White hiefer champion was Sterndale Deuce Rose from Messrs Nadin and Bradbury. Reserve was Hilltower Queen Lulu Red from A and S Lawrie.

Taking the Jersey championship was Grayridge Comerica Vivacious from D S Mackellar, with Whispering Springs Iatola Sally from J and I Wilson standing reserve. Reserve in the Holsteins was Messrs Nadin and Bradbury with Sterndale Gold Ashlyn.

Ayrshire heifer champion was Muir Ursula 43 from W and A Watson, with reserve being M W and A Stevenson with Stevenson's White Lady. Taking the Brown Swiss honours were R and S McColm with Soulseat Pronto Sally, a December 2007-born Sun Made Garbo Pronto, reserve was T Lochhead and Sons with Kedar Zola Ulla.

The next two classes of heifers have now been completed here at AgriScot and the Jersey heifer class which featured 14 entries has been won by D S Mackellar with Grayridge Comerica Vivacious, a March 2008-born daughter of Bridon Remake Comerica.

Second was Whispering Springs Iatola Sally, a January 2008-born Sc Gold Dust Paramount Iatola. And third was the Hunter Family with Clydevalley Centurion Belle, a January 2008-born SHF Centurion Sultan daughter.

Taking the Red and White heifer class were Messrs Nadin and Bradbury with Sterndale Deuce Rose Red, a January 2007-born Scientific SS Deuce daughter. In second spot were A and S Lawrie with Hilltower Queen Lulu Red, a Morwick Sand King Red daughter.

Third place here went to Hugh Woodburn, with Killoch Snowflake 41, a December 2007-born daughter of West Mossgiel Class Talent.

The judging has got underway here at AgriScot this morning, with the Ayrshire junior heifers the first class in the ring. Winning this one were W and A Watson with their heifer Muir Ursula 43, Lagace Modem daughter born in February 2007.

Second place went to M W and a Stevenson with Stevenson's White Lady, an October 2007-born Stevenson's Saltire daughter. And in third was Cuthill Towers Middle Crummie from A and S Lawrie, she was born in November 2007.

In the junior Holstein heifer the winner were Messrs Nadin and Bradbury with Sterndale Gold Ashlyn, a VG88 classified daughter of Braedale Goldwyn. Second was Muir Finalcut Eliza from W and A Watson, this is a Febraury 2008-born Gillette Final Cut daughter.

Taking third spot here was J O Hodge with Lemington Cannonball Lisa, this is an April 2008-born Lemington Cannonball daughter.

As the winter show season gets into top gear, following yesterday's AgriScot and with the major primestock shows all falling in the next three weeks, I reflected last night on the trip home from Edinburgh on the relative success of AgriScot and the Royal Highland Winter Fair.

Held just a week apart in the same venue the fortunes of the two couldn't, from an outsiders viewpoint, be more contrasting.

Yesterday's event, aimed squarely at large scale, professional producers drew a massive crowd to the equally massive turnout of tradestands. And from what I heard and saw both visitors and standholders alike were there to do business.

All the main suppliers were there and the crowd coming through the door was impressive to say the least.

Looking ahead to next week's Royal Highland Winter Fair is, sadly a less exciting prospect. While I have no doubt there will be a first class show of stock in the rings at Ingliston, I don't expect there to be much a showing of trade stands and the crowd, if experience can be relied on, is bound to be smaller.

So, despite all the historic reasons against it, there can for the future success of at least one of these events only be one answer, combine the two into one great show. Some other commentators have suggested the fact that the two exist is testament to the strength of Scottish farming. I disagree, it is in fact testament to the inability of some parties to  bury historic prejudices. Come guys get round the table again and set the wheels in motion for one big show worthy of the industries you're serving.

The Ayrshire champion has lifted the overall Supercow title here at AgriScot, with Barr Ranger Lottie from Colin Laird and granddaughter Ann leading the cow to victory having bought her a fortnight ago at the Barr herd dispersal at Carlisle.

This one cost the duo 7000gns and is by Horizon Ranger Red. She is currently giving 37 litres a day in her fifth lactation and has an impressive show record behind her.

As in the heifer championship there was no reserve ticket awarded.

Standing reserve in the Ayrshire championship was Brieryside Trimova from Messrs Lawrie.

Meanwhile, taking the Holstein title was Saxelby Goldwyn Rose from Messrs Butterfield, with Wyndford James Grey from Wilfred Maddocks in reserve.

Leading the Jerseys was Emma Murray with Whiteoaks Julian Flower, with J and I Wilson reserve with Wellhead Rocket Boo.

Taking the Red and White Holstein title was Cheviotview Beckham Kitty Red from Messrs Lawrie, with Cuthill Towers Daisy Mae reserve for A and S Lawrie.

photos to follow in due course....

Jugding is back underway this afternoon and so far the junior classes have been completed with the junior Ayshire class going to Messrs Lawrie with Brieryside Trimova 25, a McCornick Nelson daughter. Second spot went to G and G Templeton with Knowe Silver Bell, a Blackaddar B B Kellogg daughter. Third were Messrs Davidson and Sons with Halmyre Urr Showgirl.

In the Holstein junior class top place was R and E Butterfield with Saxelby Goldwyn Rose, a Braedale Goldwyn daughter. Then in second was Huddlesford Mrs Melody from Huddlesford Holsteins and third was Berryholme Golwyn Maud from H Wright and Son.

Taking the Jersey junior honours was J E Badham with Barcapel Remake Mamie, a Roick Ella Remake daughter. Second in this line up was Robert Hunter with Clydevalley Centurion and third was Clydevalley Sultan Girl from the same home.

In the Red and White Holstein class the top spot was taken by Messrs Lawrie with Cheviotview Beckham Kitty Red. Second was Cuthill Towers Daisy Mae from A and S Lawrie and third was Hunday Bob Melanie from Rhins Red Holsteins.

More results from the senior cow classes to follow in due course along with the overall championship.....

Cattle judging has got underway here at AgriScot with the first two heifer classes already decided.

Taking the Ayrshire junior heifer class was John Adamson with Swaites Felecity 6, a West Spittal Regiment Red daughter.

Second here were the Templeton family with Knowe Irnola 9, a Cuthill Towers Prince Freddie daughter and third were Messrs Lawrie with Brieryside Anita 4, a Brieryside Pure Gold daughter.

Honours in the Holstein junior heifer award went to S L and P S Bell with Holmland Golden Oralie, a Braedale Goldwyn daughter. Taking the second place in this class was James Baillie with Dalserf Lou Dellia, a Jenny Lou Marshall daughter. Then in third were D J and S Tomlinson with Bilsrow Gibson Ada, a Silky Gibson daughter.

Judging is continuing throughout the day, so check back later for up to date results and photos....

The interbreed heifer title here at AgriScot has gone to the Holstein senior heifer Drointon Jordan Brenda from Glyn Lucas, auctioneer at H&H, Carlisle. This one, by Roylane Jordan, is owned in partnership with Spanish breeder Quim Serrabassa and Dutch producer Erica Rijnetddweft.

Having been bought from the Borderway Black and White Sale in 2007 for 4000gns Jordan Brenda is run back in the Drointon herd where she was bred and was on her first show outing here today. She is currently giving 45 litres a day and is due to be flushed to Alexander before being put in calf to Sanchez. A first choice heifer is likely to be offered for sale in Itlay next September.

Taking the Jersey heifer class were Messrs Murray Farms with Trecanda Vindication Lily, a Vindication daughter, while second were Messrs Savage and Fleming with Shellon Sultan Prince, an SHF Centurion Sultan daughter.

In the Red and White Holstein class the first prize ticket went to Alexander Gray and Son with Langside Cactus 8, a Humeston Golden Bolt daughter. Second here were Messrs Nadin and Bradbury with Sterndale Sara Red, a Rosedale-L Rampage Red daughter.

Standing second to the overall champion in the senior Holstein heifer class was Huddlesford Melody Highlight from the Davidson family, This is a Huddlesford Monsoon daughter.

Well she was much admired in her class by her judge and ringsiders of most breeders and now the Ayrshire cow Sandyford Clover 10th from Blaise and Deborah Tomlinson from Loughborough has taken the supreme super cow title at Agri Scot.

This 50% bred Ayrshire and 50% bred Red Holstein is curretnly giving 38kg a day havingcalved in May. In her last lactation she gave 9300kg at 4.7% butterfat and 4% protein. 

She dominated the Ayrshire championship haven beaten off stuff competition from Keith Davidson's Highland Show champion Halmyle Urr Princess Royal, led out by daughter Katie Davidson, who works for Harrison and Hetherington.

Taking the Holstein championship with Mark Knutsford at the lead was Alderbarrow and Riverdane Holsteins' Appleuve Rudy Mattia. Classified Ex 96, this 11 year old cow is no stranger to the show circuit having had four All Britain nominations.

In part ownership with Mark and Sue Knutsford along with Brian and Leonora Whitfield, she's given over 17.500kg four times and will be flushed now.     

Taking the reserve Holstein spot was the Dennison family's Denmire Lheros Pamela 8. This Ex92 2004 born cow is a daugher of Comestar Lleros.  

In the Jersey championship Peter Prior's designer Jerseys led the way with David Gray at the lead of Grayridge GC Elegance. Sired by sooner Centurion Mr Prior bought at the Borderway Black and White five years ago for 3500gns. In her last lactation she gave 7200kg at 5% butterfat and 4% protein.

Taking reserve spot was Andrew Wilson's Wellhead Rocket Boo, the Ex95 2002 born Wellhead Remake Rocket daughter.      

The strong ringside favourite Sandyford Clover 10th from Eric and Blaise Tomlinson has just won a very powerful senior Ayrshire cow class, described by judge Peter Berresford as a sheer delight to judge. "You can only ever imagine dreaming of judging a class of such high quality," he told ringsiders.

Clover is no stranger to the show ring, having won the dairy championship at this year's South West Dairy Show and having taken top spot at the Great Yorkshire Show in the summer.

Taking the blue ticket home was another show favourite Halmyle Urr Princess Royal who took the top spot at the Royal Highland Show this year for the Davidson family, shown by H&H's Katie Davidson.  

Leading the way in the Ayrshire junior cow classes are the Watson family with Muir Superior Melanie, while A and S Lawrie took second spot with Cuthill Towers Daisy.

In the Holstein junior classes Brain Yates took top spot with Logan Silky Barb, while Almond holsteins and Weeton holsteins stood second with Weeton Brandy Reba.

The junior Jersey classes were led by a cracking cow Grayridge GC Elegance from Designer Jerseys, while taking the blue ticket was the Savage and Fleming partnership with Shellen Paramount Elsie.

The first championship of the day has gone the way of the Holstein as Stannock Talent kiwi from Messrs Armstrong and Davidson took the super heifer title under interbreed judge Alex Gray, Lanark.

She took the title ahead of the leading Jersey heifer Rise Totem from the Saxby family and the Ayrshire heifer champion Stevenson's Gillian 7 from Messrs Stevenson.

 

 

Well look who's back blogging today........I think you all knew it wouldn't be long before I would make my return to Taking Stock.

I'm up at Agri Scot covering dairy judging today so will hopefully bring you all the news and views from the ringside.

In charge of judging today is David Tomlinson from Bilsborrow Holsteins, Peter Beresford will be taking care of Ayrshires, Carmarthen-based Iwan Morgan will be judging jerseys and Alex Gray from Lanark will be stepping up to the challenge of judging the Interbreed later this afternoon.