ONE of the most prominent events in the dairy industry calendar has once again attracted top quality cattle and record crowds.

The UK Dairy Expo 2019, held at Carlisle’s Borderway centre on Saturday, drew huge interest and excitement with the crowd treated to a spectacular display of exceptional animals from seven dairy breeds and totalling more than 400 head.

The event also proved its credentials as a leading platform for the UK’s exceptional dairy genetics and industry products and services.

Following the unprecedented turnout of world class animals, the ultimate champion of this year’s event was declared to be Holstein cow Sahara-Sanchez Ambrosia 3, owned by Mark and Sue Nutsford and Michael and Barbara Hollins from Cheshire.

Afterwards Mr Hollins, said: “This is a tremendous cow and a great milker. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this happen; those who look after the animals here at the show and those at home. They have great attention to detail, day in and day out.”

Judge Carl Saucier, who travelled from Québec in Canada to judge at the event and has worked with some of the biggest names in dairy genetics, said of the results: “This cow was an easy winner. She had the best udder of the show and so much length to her frame, openness of rib and overall dairy style.

“This dairy show is a beauty contest and the champion was the most beautiful cow here, with a fantastic mammary system.”

David Pritchard, joint managing director at organisers Harrison & Hetherington, said: “We have had a fantastic show.

“Dairy Expo is a key date in the dairy industry’s calendar, and we have had all elements of the industry showcased. There have been demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment, the latest technology and machinery, as well as strong attendance from the breed societies.

“The businesses and genetic companies have been offering the latest information and advice to help dairy farmers to maximise production and minimise costs.”

There was a personal highlight of the event for one dairy veteran. Bill Nadin from Sterndale Holsteins, based in Derbyshire, was announced as the 2019 recipient of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award.

The highly-acclaimed award, which was established in memory of Cumbrian dairy farmer John Dennison, and presented by the Dennison family, aims to recognise a dairy cattle breeder who is judged to be a high achiever and exemplary role model.