It was three in a row for a highland dairy farmer in this year’s Nairnshire Farming Society’s annual on farm dairy inspection and production contest.
Andrew Innes of Meikle Urchany, Nairn, continued his herd’s dominance of the competition by taking the prizes for best cow and group of three for the fourth consecutive year.
The herd consists of just under 300 milking Holstein Friesian cattle handled by dairyman Craig Reid.
Winning the best black and white cow on inspection and production was Mr Innes’ Urchany September Storm Saladin EX 94 with 1095.5 points, along with Urchany Fever Acacia VG86 winning the best on inspection and production in its first lactation.
The herd also won the best group of three gaining most points from herds milked twice a day.
The competition was the first entry for heifer Fever Acacia and Mr Reid was delighted with the result. September Storm Saladin will be no stranger to success having been overall dairy champion at Turriff Show two years ago.
The competition is judged on the overall physical standard of the cow whilst also taking into account the animal’s milk production.
Competition judge, Kate Bonsall said: “I was very impressed with the quality, it was a tough competition and I know the dedication and commitment that goes into producing a good dairy cow. They were a nice group of cows and it was a great pleasure to view them all.”
As well as taking a clean sweep in all three classes, Mr Innes also added several special prizes and trophies to his impressive collection.
Results were: Class 63 best black and white cow on inspection/production – 1 Andrew Innes with Meikle Urchany, Cawdor: Urchany September Storm Saladin rated EX (94) SP, LP60 (1095.5 points); 2 A. Innes with Urchany Storm Ina rated EX 94 (4) SP,LP60 (1075 points); 3 D & N MacKenzie, Rootfield Farm, Muir of Ord with Parks Shottle May 13 rated VG 87 (956.5 points)
Best black and white cow on inspection/production in its first lactation – 1 A. Innes with Meikle Urchany, Cawdor: Urchany Fever Acacia rated VG 86; 2 John Shand, Chappelford, Clochan, Buckie with Monyruy Moloney Daphne 1 rated VG 86 (809.5 points); 3 D & N MacKenzie, Rootfield, Muir of Ord with Parks Ashmore Bunty 21 rated GP83 (749 points); 4 Alex Hendry, Wester Manbeen, Elgin with Manbeen 129 rated (738.5 points)
Best group of 3 cows gaining most points on inspection/production from herds milked twice per day – 1 A. Innes with Meikle Urchany, Cawdor (3043); 2 John Shand, Chappelford, Clochan, Buckie (2673.5); 3 D & N MacKenzie, Rootfield, Muir of Ord (2647); 4 Alex Hendry, Wester Manbeen, Elgin (2384.5)