Family’s success continues with dairy accolade

The Bentham farmer won the Supreme Interbreed Dairy title for the second year in a row.

His Holstein cow Saxelby Goldwyn Rose sufficiently impressed judge James Warren with her fine form and breeding.

Currently Saxelby Goldwyn Rose is producing 54kg (118lb) of milk a day.

Mr Butterfield farms from Linghaw Farm, Bentham, and has been showing for more than 25 years.

His cow, which last year still managed to take the title despite having an operation for a twisted stomach just days before competing, is getting used to success, having taken the reserve breed championship at the 2009 Great Yorkshire Show, as well as numerous breed championships this year and last year.

Saxelby Goldwyn Rose was bought from breeder Andrew Stafford in Leicester.

“We are so lucky,” said Mr Butterfield. “She is a very good cow.

“She might not be the biggest but she is a very productive and works great as a dairy animal.”

The reserve was taken by dairy shorthorn exhibitors from Hexham, in Northumberland, Baynes and Tinker.

The dairy classes at the Great Yorkshire Show are enjoying something of a renaissance, with the number of entries having reached record levels and been filled to capacity weeks in advance in the event itself.

The judges were filled with praise for the quality of the entrants in the section which also saw Jersey, Ayrshire and dairy shorthorn cattle competing.

The entire section of judging was watched by a large crowd throughout the morning, with hundreds of people cheering the winners of each section when they were unveiled by Mr Warren and his fellow judge David Hodgson.

Among those watching the classes were dairy farmer Angie Wyman.

Ms Wyman, who farms near Leeds, said: “Everyone involved in dairy farming knows how terrible things have been recently.

“But events like this, and the quality of the cattle, make you keep some faith in what you do.

“I would love to show cattle and might think about entering next year. It’s been a great day for the family though.”