Farmers from Dorset have been awarded the prestigious Master Breeder Award for their pedigree herd of Holstein.

The Foxminster herd based near Poole in Lytchett Minster are bred by FG Luther and Son.

Out of ten winners, the Luthers are the only breeders in the south west to have won a Master Breeder Award this year.

Each year Holstein UK announces the winners of the award in recognition of Holstein member herds which have achieved a high standard in both classification and production.

The award highlights those herds that breed trouble-free long living cows that display desirable traits and conformation.

Cows and heifers under each herd prefix are allocated points according to set criteria and only UK bred animals carrying the member prefix, and which are recorded as having produced a lactation within the last two years, are eligible for inclusion in the calculation.

Meurig James, head of breed development for Holstein UK, said: “The Holstein UK Master Breeder Award is a fantastic achievement and recognises herds which breed and develop outstanding cattle with renowned production, conformation, health and longevity.

"I would like to congratulate the 2021 Master Breeders who I look forward to meeting when lockdown eases and events re-start to present the certificates and shields.”

The Master Breeder Winners 2021

• Clarby – N G Llewellin, Pembrokeshire

• Corringham – R V Winter & Sons, Lincolnshire

• Erie – E M & E & I R Morgan, Carmarthenshire

• Foxminster – F G Luther & Son, Dorset

• Holymoor – W J & D M Madin, Derbyshire

• Llancourt – T B & S M Rowlands & K & R L Lewis, Pembrokeshire

• Richaven – R A Bown, Worcestershire

• Sahara – D Jones, Monmouthshire

• Whinchat – A C Birkle, Leicestershire

• Whitgreave – Stubbs Partners Limited, Staffordshire