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 10th and Saturday 11th March 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.”
This was reiterated also by The British Friesian and Dairy Shorthorn Judge, Duncan Hunter, who said: “Today the standard of cattle put forward from both breeds has been tremendous. It is always a pleasure when an animal stands out and makes it to the top easily, which in turn makes a great championship line up. Both Champions of both breeds were a great representation and promotion of their own individual breed.”
Being lived streamed for the second year, the organisers were delighted that once again dairy enthusiasts from around the world tuned in to watch the live action in the show ring. Not only could these viewers see for themselves the judging taking place, but throughout they were kept both informed and entertained by a noted line up of commentators, who included Alan Timbrell, Graham Kirby, and Richard Bostock.
Speaking after the event, organiser Glyn Lucas said: "Our slogan is 'where the dairy industry meets', and we have certainly achieved that this year, with people from all over the United Kingdom, Ireland and further afield, including a big group of people from Pakistan and India here to learn about the latest technologies in milking cows.
“The range of competition categories are effectively a shop window for breeders to showcase their livestock, at a time when there's a renewed focus on local produce. The line up today has been absolutely fantastic and a joy to watch. I would like to thank everyone for coming and those individuals and companies who have sponsored and supported Dairy Expo. I would also like to congratulate all of the winners, and of course we are immensely grateful to the judges and commentators for giving up their time to support us today.”
Pipping K&A Lawrie’s Red & White Arronview Dice Raquel Red to the top spot, and with over 5000 votes received, the much-anticipated announcement of the winner of the Genus Supreme Heifer Championship, based on the public’s invitation to vote for their favourite heifer to take home was Champion Dairy Shorthorn heifer, ‘Mossrigg Barrington Iris 16’ Maiden heifer from JM & J Fisher & daughters.
The younger generation is the future generation, and never is this more evident than at events such as Borderway UK Dairy Expo. They are encouraged to participate and through the International Youth Showmanship Championship on Friday, the very highest levels of attention to detail and skill was apparent and a sight to behold. Winning the overall championship was Alison Lawrie, 25, from Mabybole, Ayrshire, with the reserve being Ellie Saxby, 21 from Raskelth, Yorkshire.
The highly anticipated Young Farming Vlogger competition sponsored by North West based video production company, Herd’s Media and judged by Farmers Weekly writers and ‘Boots & Heels’ podcasters, Rebecca Wilson and Lizzie McLaughlin was won by 11 year Seth Davidson from near Penrith. His inspirational vlog taken on his local dairy farm, where he regularly helps out, highlighted the story of where milk come from.
The vlogs were judged Rebecca and Lizzie , winner of the Women in Agriculture category at this year’s Northern Farmer Awards . They work closely with organisations such as the NFU to provide educational platforms for school children, both are passionate about spreading the farming message and educating consumers via social media.
The team at UK Dairy Expo are also keen to recognise and identify high achievers from the younger generation and to encourage them to strive for excellence. So last year, to recognise the knowledge, work ethic, and sportsmanship of a young person in dairy farming, they launched the Rising Star Award.
Sponsored by ToiToi Genetics the 2023 Rising Star Award was presented to 19 year old Izzy Smith. Currently studying Agriculture & Animal Science at Abersywyth University, Izzy is an active and valued member of the Shropshire HYB Club and in announcing the winner, the judges said: “Izzy has displayed dedication, excellent showmanship skills, and outstanding care for her show string this week at Expo. Izzy has been on the night shift this week and has managed the complete show string to the highest standards.”
To highlight the tremendous work which goes on behind the scene, this year’s Tidy Lines Award, sponsored by A.W. Jenkinsons was presented Toi Toi Genetics.
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.”
This year mainline sponsors of Borderway UK Dairy Expo were: Carrs Billington, Cattle Information Service, HSBC, Harrison & Hetherington, and Holstein UK.
Showmanship Champion
Champion – Alison Lawrie
Reserve – Ellie Saxby
Junior Holstein
Champion – Newbirks Chief Jazz –Scott Forsyth
Reserve – Woodcatt Crushabull Rapture –DR & HM Horsley
2023 Breed Champions:
Champion Of Champions
Champion - Evening Sidekick Jennifer - Evening Holsteins,
Reserve - Riverdane Miss Awesome Strawberry - Mark and Sue Nutsford of Cheshire
Genus Supreme Heifer Champion
Champion – ‘Mossrigg Barrington Iris 16’ - JM & J Fisher & daughters.
Reserve – Red & White Arronview Dice Raquel Red – K&A Lawrie
Ayrshire
Champion – Morwick Peggy 126 – Howie MA
Reserve – Beeline Magic Meg 2 – Bailey & Partners SN
British Friesian
Champion – Lismulligan Priscilla 60 – B Lawson & Sons
Reserve – Irthingelt T Balmoral Spirit 4 – T Moscrop
Brown Swiss
Champion – Kedar Rhapunzel - T Lochhead & Sons
Reserve – Kedar Snickerliscious – T Lochhead & Sons
Dairy Shorthorn
Champion – Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 63 – Collins & Partners IRG
Reserve – Shaunlea Geri 13th – Dixon Shaun & Grace Holliday
Holstein
Champion – Evening Sidekick Jennifer – Evening Holsteins
Reserve – EEDY CRUSHABULL ACCLAIM – B Yates & Son
Jersey
Champion – Rivermead Minx Candy – The Davis Family
Reserve – Saxown Matt Cash 107 – The Saxby Familyun
R & W
Champion – Riverdane Miss Awesome Strawberry Red – Consigner – Riverdane Holsteins
Reserve – Hanview Alladin Stocking Red – Hannah Brown