Around 7,000 people descended on Carlisle, on Friday and Saturday to attend Borderway UK Dairy Expo, which saw 350 head of cattle presented to an all female line-up of judges.
New for this year was the live online streaming of the event, with 4,000 viewers from around the world tuning in to see live action from the show ring.
They were based as far afield as the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Watched by this global audience, Jonathan and Joanne Fisher and daughters, of Holmewrangle, Armathwaite, took the overall championship in the Dairy Shorthorn section with their home-bred cow Mossrigg Barrington Iris 8.
Sired by a bull called Cotonhall Ambrose, she was giving 40kg per day and Dairy Expo was her first show as a milker.
Jonathan said: “It was a strong show and I was chuffed to get the championship. If she keeps going well I will have her out again over the summer.”
The supreme interbreed championship went to Riverdane Miss Awesome Strawberry Red, with reserve honours going to Riverdane Doorman Elke, both shown by Mark and Sue Nutsford and and daughter Jodie, from Cheshire.
On behalf of the judges, Terri Packard, from Maryland, USA, said: “She’s an excellent example of the breed and a very worthy champion today where the standard in all breed classes has been phenomenal.”
Another important element of the show was the announcement of the winner of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented in memory of the highly regarded breeder of Denmire Holsteins.
This year it was awarded to Harry Hogson, of the Wormanby herd, based at Burgh-by-Sands.
Harrison and Hetherington’s senior pedigree dairy auctioneer, Glyn Lucas, said: “The John Dennison Award is always one of the highlights of Borderway UK Dairy Expo and this year we received many fantastic nominations.
“However, the committee voted unanimously for Harry as they felt he has been an excellent role model for many aspiring young breeders and for his outstanding skills as a farmer and breeder.”
