A TYNEDALE farmer has been awarded four top titles at the Northumbria Holstein Breeders Club 2018 Herd competition.

The dairy competition, which was open to all breeds took place at the Anchor Inn in Whittonstall and was judged by international cattle breeding expert Bruce Jobson.

Scooping four awards for his Holsteins was Alasdair Smith of Futureproof Holsteins, Healey Home Farm, Riding Mill, who fielded the titles Top Herd on Inspection, Best Cow Family for Futureproof’s Flakey bloodline, and Best Progeny Group.

Futureproof was also awarded the Best Mature Cow title, requiring a minimum of 75 tonnes lifetime yield, with Hilltop Shottle L Nell.

Of his success Alasdair said: “It is always great to be recognised for our high standard of care and breeding, particular because all 170 of our animals are home-bred, which makes it a real achievement.”

Alasdair’s his high standards also helped him to win both the Holstein champion and reserve champion titles at the 2018 Northumberland County Show.

Another Tynedale farming family to be recognised on the day was the Richardson family of Wheelbirks Jerseys, Stocksfield, who received the Small Herds award.

Judge Bruce Jobson said: “It was an honour to judge the 2018 competition.

“The classes were extremely competitive and the margins between the individual animals, and between competing herds, was very slight. All the owners and staff should be congratulated on the high standard of animals put forward in the various competition categories.”