The Aireburn herd from Skipton, North Yorkshire has been named the winner of this year’s Holstein UK Premier Herd Award.

The herd was established by George Moorhouse in 1968 and has remained in the family ever since; the award was presented to Brian and Judith Moorhouse at UK Dairy Day yesterday (Wednesday, September 14).

National Premier Herd judge, and 2021 winner, Max Davis said that the Aireburn herd, which currently has 97 animals classified as Very Good and 46 as Excellent, showed exceptional uniform.

“These are my kind of cows,” he said.

“The herd is exceptionally uniform with great balance of frames, exceptional width of chest and rump, combined with quality udders throughout the herd.

“I really admire how uniform the herd is and combined with being modern in size, they really would fit any system.”

Prominent families in the herd include the Bevins, Dellias and Honeys.

On behalf of Holstein UK, chairman Michael Smale congratulated the Moorhouse family on the win.

“The Holstein UK Premier Herd Competition pits some of the best herds in the UK against one another and I am delighted to be able to congratulate the Moorhouse family for winning the national award,” he said.

“A commitment to producing quality, purposeful animals is reasserted and demonstrates the many years of dedication to the Holstein breed from the Moorhouse family.

“I would also like to congratulate B and V Davidson of the Errolston herd who were named as Reserve Champion and Riverdane Holsteins who are Honourable Mention,” he added.

Holstein UK Premier Herd Award

The Holstein UK Premier Herd Award aims to recognise the most outstanding Holstein herd in the country with the winner of each individual club’s herd competition competing against neighbouring clubs to become one of the seven regional winners and finalists in the National Premier Herd Competition.

The seven regional winners for 2022 are:

  • Eastern: Messrs Winter, Corringham Herd;
  • Northern: G B Moorhouse, Aireburn Herd;
  • Northern Ireland: W and A Patton, Ards Herd;
  • Scottish: B and V Davidson, Errolston Herd;
  • Southern: Wills Brothers Limited, Willsbro Holsteins;
  • Welsh: R and E Bowen, Lan Herd;
  • Western: Riverdane Holsteins.
HOLSTEIN UK