Sponsors of the Gold Cup, RABDF and NMR, have announced the finalists for the 2022 award. The five finalists include two dairy businesses from Scotland, and three from the south and southwest of England.
They are:
· Liz Birkett, Rookhaye Farm, Bowerchalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire
· Chris and Helen Ford, C&H Ford Farm Ltd, Peadon Farm, Fiddington, Bridgwater, Somerset
· Alistair Logan, Holehouse Farms, Kilbirnie, Ayrshire
· Andrew, Oliver & Wendy Reed, France Farm, Blackborough, Cullompton, Devon
· Stuart Orr, Messers George Orr, Kaemuir Farm, Avonbridge
Herds qualify for entry into the Gold Cup by meeting the competition’s criteria provided by their milk recording organisation, or via nomination from their discussion group or a company.
All entrants completed a detailed form with information on their system, progress and targets for the business. Finalists are selected by a panel of judges and go forward to an on farm inspection, this year carried out by RABDF’s council members Di Wastenage and Peter Alvis and 2019 Gold Cup winner Robert Sloan.
The winner will be announced at Dairy-Tech, on the NMR stand at 4pm Wednesday February 1, 2023, along with the winners of the Chris May award, the NMR Silver Salver, The Lilyhill Cup and the Chairman’s Cup.
ENDS
The presentations in February 2022 will include the following:
· RABDF NMR Gold Cup
· Chris May Award for the Gold Cup qualifying herd with the highest herd lifetime daily yield.
· NMR Silver Salver for the Holstein herd with the highest combined weight of fat and protein production
· Lilyhill Cup for the Jersey herd with the highest combined weight of fat and protein production
· Chairman’s Cup for breeds, except Holstein and Jersey, with the highest combined weight of fat and protein production
All herds must meet minimum criteria set for entry to the Gold Cup of more than 100 cows/heifers in the milking herd, an annual average somatic cell count of 200,000 cells/ml or less, or 250,000 cells/ml for organic herds, and a minimum PLI value specific to the breed or calving system.
More information and photographs from:
· Sarah Alderton, farmgatemedia@outlook.com, 07739969198
· Karen Wright, karen@karenwrightpr.com, 07860 504047
About RABDF
RABDF is the sole UK charity focussed on the unique needs of milk producers. They are the only dairy organisation holding a Royal Warrant, with the influence and access to funding that brings.
About NMR
NMR is the leading supplier of milk recording services in the UK and carries out milk quality testing for payment purposes, as well as extensive disease testing and screening services.