Holstein UK has crowned the winners of its prestigious All Britain Awards 2017.

The winners were announced on Saturday March 10 at the UK Borderway UK Dairy Expo in Carlisle. They are a judgement of the quality of an animal which has been exhibited within the show ring at recognised shows or events during the year of competition. Claiming recognition on this level is real credit to the animal, breeder and handler.

The 2017 champions are:

• Junior Heifer Champion - Knowlesmere Solomon Diamond 2. Exhibited by: A & J Whittaker, Knowlesmere Holsteins

• Intermediate Heifer Champion - Blydale Lynn Fitz All. Exhibited by: Woodhey Dairies Ltd, Woodhey Holsteins and T Lomas, TLC Holsteins and J Doherty & S Whittaker, Firstlook Genetics

• Senior Heifer Champion - Knowlesmere Solomon Diamond. Exhibited by: A & J Whittaker, Knowlesmere Holsteins

• Red & White in Milk Champion - Wiltor Chipper Rosie Polled Red. Exhibited by: D W & C E Jones, Wiltor Holsteins

• Junior 2yr Old Champion - Sterndale As Rae. Exhibited by: WJ Nadin & Co, Sterndale Holsteins

• Intermediate 2yr Old Champion - Eastford Atomium Kiwi Red. Exhibited by: Eastford Holsteins

• Senior 2yr Old Champion - Littlebridge Goldchip Honey. Exhibited by: JL Miles & Sons, Littlebridge Holsteins

• Junior 3yr Old Champion - Knoxtown Bradnick Memory. Exhibited by: DW & CE Jones, Wiltor Holsteins

• Senior 3yr Old Champion - Davlea Lauthority Hiawatha . Exhibited by: BL Davies & Son, Davlea Holsteins

• 4yr Old Champion - Icow Huddlesford Rosann 899. Exhibited by: TH Cope & Son, Huddlesford Holsteins and I Lancaster, Icow Holsteins

• 5yr Old Champion - Warnelview Winners Silverwings. Exhibited by: W Stead and S Sutton

• Mature Cow Champion – Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody. Exhibited by: YK Bradbury, Peak Holsteins

An outstanding 141 entries were received for the awards before a shortlist from each of the 12 categories was reached before selecting the champion, reserve and honourable mention.

Judging the entries were master judges David Booth (Balmoral Show judge), Andrew Dennison (Royal Highland Show judge) and Brian Miller (National Holstein Show judge). Their shortlisted nominations were submitted to the Holstein UK national judging panel to review and vote.

Andrew Birkle, Holstein UK chairman, said; “Huge congratulations goes to the winners of the All Britain Awards 2017 – what a fantastic level of competition we have seen. The exceptional number of entries demonstrates the passion and commitment our breeders have for rearing productive, high performing and exquisite cattle that really do deserve worldwide recognition.”