The RABDF Livestock Machinery and Equipment Award made to the product that delivers the most economic value to the livestock sector was presented to Dorchester based Quill Productions at the Livestock Event held at The NEC, Birmingham on 2 and 3 July.
Quill Productions’ Graham and Steve Crocker receive the RABDF Livestock Machinery and Equipment Award from left, RABDF award judge Angus Wielkopolski and RABDF president, Prof David Leaver
The award was made to the company’s Quill Hoof-Spray System, claimed to be a revolutionary new system to tackle digital dermatitis. Designed for use in the milking parlour, it allows Intra Hoof-fit Spray Liquid to be applied to hooves without the need for lifting the feet. Use of the lever operated spray gun with stainless steel adjustable nozzle, allows fast, targeted application in less than three seconds per hoof.
“The entry was a clear winner,” commented RABDF council member, Angus Wielkopolski chairman of the three-strong judging team. “We were impressed by the very practical and cost effective system which uses minimal quantities of liquid and has been proven to be highly effective.”
Quill Production’s managing director, Graham Crocker said “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award. Having spent many years as a dairy farmer myself, I am very aware of the huge impact that digital dermatitis is having on the industry and I'm passionate about finding ways to eradicate it. The Quill Hoof-Spray System is a totally new concept and the result of a successful collaboration with Ambic Equipment."
RABDF created the award for exhibitors to the Livestock Event to recognise the importance of machinery and equipment to the current and future profitability of the livestock farming industry. The judges appraised each of the seven entry’s innovation, its economic advantages to the farmer, running costs including replacement parts and prices, servicing requirements, safety features, energy usage, potential market and list price.