GOLD CUP COMPETETION
The search is on for the best dairy farming business in the UK as applications open on Wednesday 22 May for the prestigious 2024 NMR/ RABDF Gold Cup competition.
The Gold Cup competition, sponsored by NMR, is the UK's top national dairy award that recognises dairy businesses for all-around excellence. It was first launched in 1920 and has been won by some of the country's most influential dairy farmers.
Entries made easier
This year the competition organiser, the RABDF, has made it easier to enter by streamlining the application form and automating data collection for herds milk recording with NMR and CIS.
That means all herd recording applicants need to do is tell us a bit about their business, and the rest is done automatically. The competition is also open to non-recording herds, with data provided manually.
What are the judges looking for?
The competition is open to entrants who can demonstrate the following:
Strong herd performance, including high herd health, welfare and fertility
A profitable business
Good staff management
Environmental management
Building a sustainable dairy business fit for the future
So, whether you are a crossbred grass-based herd, an indoor high input high output herd, a pedigree herd or a spring block calving herd, this competition is open to all.
Other Awards
Criteria connected to the Gold Cup associated awards - Silver Salver, Lilyhill Trophy and Chairman’s Cup has also changed to the below:
Silver Salver - presented to the qualifying Holstein herd with the highest value of total solids produced (fat and protein)
Lilyhill Trophy - presented to the qualifying Jersey herd with the highest value of total solids produced (fat and protein)
Chairman’s Cup - presented to the qualifying non Holstein or Jersey herd with the highest value of total solids produced (fat and protein)
The Chris May Memorial Bowl for the highest average Lifetime Daily Yield will continue as before with no changes.
Please email you completed application by Monday 22nd July 2024 to romanymarshall@rabdf.co.uk
All forms, documents and Adobe software can be downloaded using the buttons below:
Pictured: Robert Craig , RABDF Chairman with George Brown (middle) & James Dunning (right)
Gold Cup Winners 2023
2023 - George Brown & Hallam Mills, Bisterne Farms, Hampshire
2022 - The Logan Family, Holehouse Farms, Ayrshire
2021 - Not awarded to COVID-19
2020 Winner - R Torrance & Son, Battles Hall Farm, Essex
2019 Winner - Firm of Bryce Sloan, Darnlaw Farm, Cumnock Ayrshire
2018 Winner - Metcalfe Farms, Washfold Farm, Leyburn, North Yorks
2017 Winner - Rich & Chris Norman, The Leen, Pembridge, Leominster
2016 Winner - R E Bugler & Partners, Pilsdon Dairy Farm, Bridport, Dorset
2015 Winner - Neil Baker, Rushywood Farm, Haselbury Plucknett
2014 Winner - Michael Eavis, Worthy Farm, Glastonbury
2013 Winner - The Higgins family, Wilderley Hall, Shrewsbury
2012 Winner - M Miller, Shanael Farms Ltd, Evesham
2011 Winner - Tom King, Vortex Holsteins, Dorchester
2010 Winner - Michael & Chris King, Kingspool Holsteins, Iron Acton
To visit the NMR website please click here.