Livestock 2012 – Blythbridge take Holstein Championship

By Simon Wragg

Judge Tom Kelly’s attention to detail would come to bear in the Supreme Holstein Champion where seven cattle lined up for a final inspection amid excited banter at the ringside for a decision that would see the Champion take home the Parkhouse Trophy.

“I’d like to thank Holstein UK for opportunity to judge the fantastic quality on show here today – it’s been an exhilarating task. The Overall Champion is the beautiful, beautiful cow,” he said slapping Blyth Farms’ Blythbridge Elegant Christabel on the rump.

This cow which classified VG 87 as a two year old had earlier in the day been awarded Holstein Intermediate Champion on her first outing for 2012. Earlier show successes include Champion Holstein Heifer at last year’s Highland Show and AgriScot events.

By Blythbridge Elegant Dundee and out of Ardgairney Mort Christabel 3 – both home-bred – this cow calved in June and is giving 66 litres/day at an average of 4.1% butterfat and 3.1% protein, explained handler Colin Laird. “Shes a beautifully balanced cow, great to work with and low maintenance,” he added.

Close behind in the titles was Richard Bown’s Richaven Goldwyn Irene that collected Reserve Overall Champion. Sired by Braedale Goldwyn and out of Richaven Journalist Irene, it led herd-mate Richaven Goldwyn Adrienne which took Honourable Mention for the exhibitor.

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