The Ayrshire Cattle Society of Great Britain and Ireland has announced Gilmour Lawrie will judge its national show at the 2019 UK Dairy Day.
The show, which draws breeders and competitors from across the UK, will also host the National Holstein Show, National Brown Swiss Show as well as showing classes for the Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey and Jersey breeds.
Gilmour Lawrie farms in partnership with his brother Jim, milking 600 cows under the Brieryside prefix in South Ayrshire on two modern dairy units.
The pair manage one unit at Monkton, near Prestwick and Gilmour’s son Kevin manages the newest unit near Maybole. 1500ac are farmed altogether with around 400ac of cereals.
Brieryside Ayrshires is one of the longest established Ayrshire herds in the world with the first records of registered stock in 1876.
The family have seen much success in the show ring. Gilmour’s proudest and most memorable successes were winning the Interbreed Dairy Champion at the Royal Highland Show on two occasions, and then at Agriscot in 2012 when he won both the Super Cow and Super Heifer titles.
Gilmour has judged Ayrshires all over the UK at both county and national level along with many Interbreed championships and competitions. The Great Yorkshire, Royal Welsh, Royal Balmoral and the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show are just a few to mention.
He is also a past president of the Ayrshire Cattle Society of Great Britain and Ireland – a position he held in 2016 after spending several years on the Council of the organisation. Currently, he is the business coordinator for the society.
He said it was a “great privilege” to be asked to officiate the show.
“I am very much looking forward to the event and the high-quality Ayrshires that the show attracts,” he said.
Ayrshire Cattle society breed manager, Duncan Hunter added: “We are thrilled that Gilmour has accepted our invitation to judge the 2019 National Ayrshire Show which will again be held at UK Dairy Day.
The previous two National shows held at this event have been a huge success with breed classes excelling in both numbers and quality.
“The venue and facilities are the best in the UK and the show lends us a platform for us to promote ourselves both in the UK and overseas”.
Lynden Bustard, UK Dairy Day cattle show manager and chief steward, said: “UK Dairy Day is delighted to welcome The National Ayrshire Show to UK Dairy Day for a third year.
“The Cattle Show is a major part of our event and the support last year from Ayrshire breeders and competitors was fantastic.
“With support from our sponsors, UK Dairy Day offers cattle entry free of charge which we hope will attract even more breeders this year. The calibre of cattle from all breeds is always outstanding and we know UK Dairy Day 2019 will be a parade of spectacular cattle.”
UK Dairy Day returns on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at The International Centre, Telford, Shropshire.
