25/03/08
A record number of dairy herds have qualified for this year’s
NMR/RABDF Gold Cup. Nine hundred milk recorded dairy herds have met the entry criteria
of at least 100 cows in the milking herd and, based on records
for the year ending September 2007, an average cell count of 200,000/ml
or less and a minimum PIN specific to the breed - £5 in the
case of Holsteins.
Last year's winners Ian and Sally Macalpine
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“These herds have met high standards and we want as many
as possible to take part and complete an entry form,” says
Gold Cup coordinator Frank Armitage. “The Gold Cup isn’t
about the biggest, but we look for those who can demonstrate
the good overall farm performance using a management system that
takes advantage of the available resources.
“We look at dairy herd husbandry in detail but not exclusively
- a contribution of well-used on farm resources, conservation
and labour use all score points and are taken into consideration
by the judges.”
Last year’s winner was Lancashire Jersey herd owners Ian
and`SallyMacalpine who, prior to winning, had been finalists
for two years. “As last year’s winners, and winners
of the Lilyhill Cup for the top scoring Jersey herd, the Macalpines
are not eligible for entry this year so we will have new names
in the limelight.”
Entries for this year’s Gold Cup must be received by 14
April 2008. Finalists will be visited in July and the overall
winner will be announced at the Dairy Event in September.
More details are available from milk recording staff, or NMR
Customer Services on 0870 1622547.
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