THE UK Dairy Expo, hosted by Cumbrian firm Harrison and Hetherington at Borderway, celebrated an increase of ten per cent in livestock entries when to took place at the weekend.

This year saw 370 animals on show at the nationally-acclaimed event, with 70 classes across seven breeds.

Leading the way in the ring was the incredible Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody Ex97 6E, a seventh calver from Sterndale in Derbyshire, who was the crowned the Champion of Champions, having been awarded this accolade in 2014 and 2017.

Yasmin Bradbury, owner of the Champion said: "This cow is the most fantastic cow in the world. Winning today means the absolute world to me and everyone at home who helps to make this happen."

Commenting on the award, judge Selwyn Donald, from New Zealand said: "The Holsteins have been sheer quality from beginning to end - they are outstanding, world class and something to behold.

"It’s great to see cows in the production classes coming out and winning. The standard of the Holsteins, the Brown Swiss and the Ayrshires have been exceptional, and the competition has been fierce.

"Borderway UK Dairy Expo, has been fantastic show, with top end world class livestock. We need events such as this to sustain the future of the dairy industry."

David Pritchard, Operations Director at H and H: "Visitor numbers continue to grow, and I am thrilled the Dairy Expo continues to strengthen its position in the marketplace.

"The commitment of the exhibitors, who travel the length and breadth of the UK to attend, demonstrates the credibility of this event in the industry and the importance of being placed in the showring for future marketing opportunities.

"Every year, and very noticeably this year, the Expo serves as a host for important industry discussions and debates. This year it’s been interesting to hear the positivity in the industry and the ambitions of many attendees for future expansion and growth."

And one individual that’s positivity was awarded was Jimmy Wilson from the Tregibby Herd in Cardigan, Wales, who became the 2018 recipient of the prestigious, John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Friday focus, was on the younger generation with the Showmanship Championships, Stock judging, and Holstein Junior Championships, and the Heifer shows.

Champion in the showmanship was Laura Cornthwaite from Shrewsbury. Jonathan Woodhouse of Millom took reserve, and Rosie Dennison, of Ulverston, received an honourable mention.