by Meyrick Brown

The results of the 2008 National Milk Records competitions for Pembrokeshire were announced recently at a well-attended presentation evening held at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth.

Taking pride of place was the relatively small milking herd managed by John Phillips, of Hean Castle Farms at Saundersfoot. This herd gained most points overall for production and inspection and awards were also picked up for the quality of the farm's youngstock and overall genetic management.

Leading the way with the larger herds were the Pic 'n' Mix Holsteins, of the Carey family at Nevern, with some outstanding cows and heifers and remarkable figures for production.

The Talbenny unit, of Frederick Hiam (Farms) Ltd., were also in close contention.

Award winners:

HERDS

(Judge - Mr. Colin Jones, Kidwelly)

Production and Inspection, large - B. C. Carey and Sons, Coedwynog, Nevern; res - L. A. M. Smith and Son, Pelcomb Hill, Haverfordwest; small - Hean Castle Farms, Saundersfoot; res - S. and S. Williams, Leweston Home Farm, Camrose.

Non-black and white - S. and S. Williams (Ayr).

Non-registered - F. Hiam (Farms) Ltd., Lower Broadmoor, Talbenny.

New members - C. Parkes, Pengaer, Eglwyswrw; res - M. Owen, Flimston, Martletwy.

Group of three cows - P. F. J. and S. M. Lewis and Son, Poyerston, Cosheston; res - Hean Castle Farms.

Inspection only - Hean Castle Farms; res - O. M. Davies and Sons, Pencwarre, Crymych. Inspection and Pin - Hean Castle Farms; res - S. and S. Williams (Ayr).

Nominated cow - N. G. and A. L. Llewellyn, Lower House, Clarbeston (Clarby Grosvenor Beatrice); res - D. H. O. and S. E. J. George, Clover Hill, New Moat (Brynhyfryd Storm Idella 3).

Cow family - L. A. M. Smith and Son (Walnut); res - Davies Farms (Carew) Ltd., Milton, Tenby (Viv). Highest daily lifetime value (from birth) - B. C. Carey and Sons; res - N. G. and A. L. Llewellyn. Longevity - D. H. O. and S. E. J. George; res - L. A. M. Smith and Son.

Nominated heifer - D. H. O. and S. E. J. George; res - F. Hiam (Farms) Ltd.

Home-bred heifer - Hean Castle Farms; res - S. and S. Williams and Son (Ayr).

In-calf heifer - N. G. and A. L. Llewellyn; res - H. H. Lewis and Sons, New House, Little Newcastle. Three generations - Davies Farms (Carew) Ltd; res - M. E. M. Roberts and Sons, Llwyngwair Home Farm, Newport.

Production only - L. A. M. Smith and Sons; res - B. C. Carey and Sons.

YOUNG STOCK

(Judge - Mr. Morris Davies, Penparc)

Bull progeny - Hean Castle Farms (Robthorn Integrity); res - D. H. O. and S. E. J. George, (Talent).

Female youngstock, large herds - B. C. Carey and Sons; res - F. Hiam (Farms) Ltd; small herds - V. M. and B. E. Phillips, Sychpant, Nevern; res - A. V. and A. C. R. Jenkins, Stember, Crundale.

Group of calves from one sire - F. Hiam (Farms) Ltd; res - G. R. Griffiths, Penlan, New Moat.

SPECIAL

AWARDS

Lowest average cell count - A. V. and A. C. R. Jenkins; res - G. R. Griffiths and Son.

Organic herd - Davies Farms (Carew) Ltd; res - D. H. O. and S. E. J. George.

Production and genetic management - F. Hiam (Farms) Ltd; res - B. C. Carey and Sons.

Health and fertility - G. G. and R. M. Vaughan, Maesyderi, Boncath; res - A. V. and A. C. R. Jenkins.