Gold Cup Turnout Up
19/05/06

Entries for this year’s NMR/RABDF Gold Cup competition are well up on previous years. A total of 87 herds, all meeting the rigorous criteria required to qualify, have completed entry forms and will come under the scrutiny of the judges. In previous years, around 40 herds have entered.

“We changed the Gold Cup competition three years ago,” says competition co-ordinator Frank Armitage. “It now focuses on the whole dairy business – including herd management, feed planning, grassland and forage management and environmental issues. It also looks at business plans and the producers’ views for the future.

“Appreciating that we are not looking for the best show ring animals or the highest achieving herd on production or genetics, more producers are encouraged to enter.

“I think we have the best list of semi finalists for 50 years,” adds Mr Armitage. “And what is very pleasing is that all major breeds are represented – Holstein, Friesian, Jersey, Guernsey, Shorthorn and Ayrshire – and Brown Swiss. There is also a good geographical spread throughout England, Wales and Scotland.”

All 87 herds will be presented with a Gold Cup 2006 runner-up certificate to mark their achievement. After careful consideration and taking all factors included in the questionnaire into account, judges will name eight herds as finalists.

Judges will inspect these dairy businesses in July and the Gold Cup 2006 winner will be announced at the Dairy Event, Stoneleigh, in September.

NMR/RABDF Gold Cup Qualifiers In North East And Yorkshire
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