The RABDF Livestock Machinery and Equipment Award made to the product that delivers the most economic value to the livestock sector was presented to Wynnstay at the Livestock Event held at The NEC, Birmingham on 8 and 9 July.
The award was made to the Heatwave Milkwarmer, a newly launched system for calves, lambs and goat kids. Marketed by Wynnstay, the system was designed and manufactured by Herefordshire based family business, Pyon Products headed up by Wynnstay’s business development manager, Alan Dickson. The Heatwave Milk warmer enables farmers to prepare a bulk reservoir of cold milk once daily and heat the milk immediately prior to delivery to the teat allowing the young animal to access warm milk on multiple occasions during the day.
Gill Dickson receives the RABDF Livestock Machinery and Equipment Award from left, RABDF president, Prof David Leaver and Council member, Angus Wielkopolski
“The entry was a clear winner,” commented Angus Wielkopolski, RABDF council member and chairman of the three-strong judging team. “We were impressed by the very practical, simple and cost effective system which should enable farmers to do a better job with less effort.”
Alan Dickson said: “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award. Having spent over 30 years working in the youngstock sector, we are aware there is still huge potential for farmers to realise their animals’ potential. The Heatwave Milkwarmer is designed to help do just that enabling warm milk to be fed little and often encouraging higher daily live weight gains and healthy stock and what’s more it is hygienic.”
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.