Visitors to the Holstein NI stand at Balmoral Show today(Thursday) and tomorrow(Friday) will have an opportunity to enter a free prize draw for a trip to the UK Dairy Day sponsored by Devenish Nutrition.

Two winners will each receive a place on Holstein NI’s trip to UK Dairy Day with the prize including return flights from Belfast to Birmingham, accommodation and meals.

Departing on Wednesday, September 16 2015 the trip includes a visit to the second UK Dairy Day at Telford International Centre. The event will host the National Holstein Show, as well as classes for coloured dairy breeds. Seminars and practical demonstrations such as linear assessment and foot trimming will be ongoing throughout the day. More than 200 trade stands will be in attendance A new feature of this year’s UK Dairy Day is the Red Ribbon sale, in conjunction with auctioneers Harrison and Hetherington, which will feature a specially selected line-up of deep pedigreed dairy animals.

The evening will conclude with the Champions Dinner and presentation of awards.

The itinerary for Thursday, September 17 includes visits to three dairy farms. First stop is the 250-cow Aintree herd owned by Richard and Ruth Pilkington, Shordley Hall, Wrexham, followed by a visit hosted by Andrew Evans who runs more than 2,000 commercial cows and with the final stop at the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Farm based at Aldford Hall near Chester.

Holstein Northern Ireland secretary, John Martin from Kesh, said: “This competition was introduced last year to coincide with the inaugural UK Dairy Day.” The two winning tickets will be drawn at Balmoral Show on Friday, May 15 at 4pm.

For further information about Holstein NI’s trip contact John Martin on mobile 07711 041128.

Meanwhile, Holstein Northern Ireland has launched its annual Herds Inspection Competition sponsored by Ulster Bank.

Club secretary John Martin explained: ”Everyone who took part in last year’s competition will automatically be re-entered unless they advise me otherwise.” “Club members who want to amend their entry or withdraw from the competition should notify me prior to the closing date on Monday, May 27. We also look forward to welcoming entries from new members and those who haven’t participated in the competition for several years.

“A few changes have been implemented this year, and I would urge members to consult the entry form and schedule for a copy of the competition’s updated rules. “ Ulster Bank awards will be presented to the best small, medium and large herds in the premier, senior and junior herd categories. There are also prizes for the best individual animals, bull progeny groups, and the best cow family groups.

The junior herds will be judged during the week commencing Monday, June 1 by William Crawford from the Ardmore Herd based in Brookeborough. Entries in the senior section of the competition will come under the expert eye of retired breeder Robert Wallace, formerly of the Alderview Herd in Antrim, with judging scheduled to take place week commencing Monday, June 8.

The premier section of the 2015 herds inspection competition will be judged by Brian Weatherup Senior from the Lesmay Herd based in Fife, Scotland. Judging of the premier section will commence on Monday, June 22. John Martin concluded:”The winner of the award for the best overall herd will go forward to represent Northern Ireland in Holstein UK’s National Premier Pedigree Herd Competition. “ The awards will be presented at a BBQ in Dungannon Rugby Club on Thursday, June 25 at 8pm.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the club’s website: www.holstein-ni.co.uk. Alternatively, text or telephone club secretary John Martin on mobile: 07711 041128.