End of an Era at Hilltara as Medway Supreme Maude Dies
2011-03-21

One of the most legendary pedigree Holstein cows of all time, Medway Supreme Maude EX97 (8E) 19*, has died. She was almost 19 years of age.

Medway Supreme Maude EX97 (8E) 19*. Picture: Jane Steel

Medway Supreme Maude was owned by the McCormick family – Sam, Trish, John and Kate, who run the noted 250-cow Hilltara herd based at Bangor in County Down – winners of Holstein NI’s premier herd award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

“Maude produced 166,445 kilos of milk in her lifetime, and was still coming into the milking parlour three weeks before she died,” said Sam. “As well as displaying exceptional size, dairy strength and a well attached udder, Maude was also a top-class brood cow. We have 133 members of the Maude family currently registered at Hilltara. “

Big Maude as she was affectionately known was purchased unseen as a calf at the Trans Atlantic Sale for 3,200gns in 1993. “I was attracted to the strength of the udders that ran in the family, and the size that her sire, Startmore Supreme, brought to the mix, “added Sam.

She was the winner of numerous championship awards, both at home and nationally, and her show career spanned from 1994 to 2007. Her accolades are countless and include: All-Britain Mature Cow 2002 and five other reserve All-Britain Awards; Reserve at both the UK Royal and UK National Holstein Show in 2000. She won 11 championships at Balmoral Show, the RUAS Winter Fair and Irish National Holstein Show. Maude was also nominated Canadian Cow of the Year in 2003 and 2004 – the only cow outside of north America to be granted this honour.

“The Maude family is the best cow family we have. She certainly stamped her authority in the herd. There are currently six generations of Maudes in the Hilltara herd.” added John McCormick.

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