Eyes in the UK dairy industry were firmly focused on Carlisle last weekend when thousands of spectators flocked to the city for Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2016. With an international line up of judges this is one of the top dairy cattle shows in Europe.

The event highlighted the tremendous quality of dairy cattle that the UK has to offer, and all three judges were hugely impressed with the line-up of entries, and enthusiastically praised all the animals on display as being world class in breeding and presentation.

However, without a doubt the star of the show in 2016 was Alister Laird, of Blythbridge in Peebleshire. Alister and his family won three championship awards, including Champion of Champions with Holstein cow Illens Atwood Australia. Alister himself won the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award for is commitment and dedication to the dairy industry.

Organised by Harrison and Hetherington, Borderway UK Dairy Expo brings together the very best of British dairy cattle, talent from the UK dairy industry and international dairy genetics. With over 6000, visitors, 350 dairy cattle entries, 50 showmanship entries, over 120 trade stands, it is an industry platform which is aimed at supporting farmers, and commercial representatives.

Brian Richardson Chief Executive of the H&H Group said: “This is a key event for the industry, and for us. Although uncertainty surrounds the dairy industry, today’s breeders and exhibitors demonstrated faith and confidence, going forward.”

From Blythebridge Holsteins, Alister and Colin Laird’s 5 year old Holstein cow Illens Atwood Australia won three championship awards, including Champion of Champions. Alister Laird was also the recipient of the 2016 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented in memory of John Dennison.

Commenting, Alister said: “We have owned Illens Atwood Australia for just over a year and are absolutely delighted, to be taking two trophies across the border tonight.”

Commenting on his choice of champion, Holstein Judge, Michael Heath from Maryland America, commented: “The depth of the show demonstrated a high calibre, with the top end being at an exceptional level. The winning animal was a very balanced angular cow of a good size, not over big. In the championship class she pulled it all together feet, legs and free moving made her really stand out. This is definitely a cow that anyone, anywhere in the world, would want to have.”