CUMBRIAN breeders and visitors were out in force at this year’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo for the event’s tenth anniversary.

On how the event had gone which included global livestreaming for the first time, Harrison and Hetherington’s senior pedigree dairy auctioneer Glyn Lucas said: “The quality of cattle forward has been phenomenal.

“It has been great to welcome a crowd back to the event as well as give the option for others to view the event online via a livestream for the first time, a feature we will definitely continue in future years.

Amongst the familiar Cumbrian dairy breeders competing for the coveted top ribbons saw Reserve Jersey go to John and Yvon Raven of Priestcroft Farm, Mealsgate with Skiddaw Megapower Bluebell. The River Valley PF Megapower daughter calves with its first in October.

Borderway UK Dairy Expo was also the venue for this year’s British Friesian national show with reserve overall going to first calver, Irthingelt Balmoral Spirit 4 from Thomas Moscrop and family of Ryeclose Farm, Irthington. Residing with the family’s 450-cow herd, it last calved in October and was shown giving 28kg a day.

The Fisher family from Holmwrangle Farm, Armathwaite, took the championship in the Dairy Shorthorn ring with their second calver, Mossrigg Barrington Iris 8. It’s dam, Mossrigg Barrington Iris, stood supreme champion at Penrith Show in 2013. Iris 8 last calved in February and was shown giving 40kg a day.

It was the day of dreams for Riverdane Holsteins, who watched by a global audience Riverdane Miss Awesome Strawberry Red took Supreme Champion, with Riverdane Doorman Elke following in reserve

Mark and Sue Knutsford, and daughter, Jodie from Cheshire are previous winners of Borderway Agri Expo, however this is the first time the family have taken the inter-breed title with the Red and Whites. Home-bred this Miss Awesome Strawberry Red is sired by Luck-E Absolute Awesome Red, and out of Riverdane Colt Strawberry, which was first in the production class.

In the region of 7000 visitors attended and 350 head of cattle were presented to an all-female line-up of judges and showring stewards. A first for the evemt, this was in a bid to highlight the strength and success of women within the industry, as well as highlight the opportunities available to the next generation. This was backed up by all female ring stewards.

Glyn Lucas said: “Having an all-female panel of judges has also been fantastic. I feel it is such a male dominated industry and so many young women would love to be involved. This has really set an example that women can take leadership roles and will hopefully encourage more women into the industry by showcasing the opportunities available to them.”