A LEADING Holstein herd took many of the top awards in the Carmarthenshire 2013 National Milk Records competition.

The Feithy herd of Eifion and Mary Jones, of Cilfeithy Uchaf, Kidwelly, was the champion large herd on production and inspection, and also won the inspection only and production only categories. The family-run herd also won special awards for nominated cow Feithy Lilac 69, who gained the most points on inspection, despite having produced ten times the breed average for production, along with the bull progeny (Ecstasy Rodney), dam and daughter, group of three cows, and production and genetic management.

The Feithy herd, which is run with the help of Eifion and Marys sons, Wyn and Rhys and daughter Mair, now totals around 400 including dairy followers, with nearly 200 in milk at any one time. Around ten bulls are also reared for sale each year.

Simon and Sian Davies, of Brynhyfryd, Hebron, Whitland, were also keen challengers, heading the inspection part of the competition, taking both the nominated cow and heifer prizes, with the remarkable Castellhyfryd Spirte Rosina and Castellyfryd Goldwyn Rosina respectively.

The winning small herd was the mixed breeds Quarry herd, owned by Alun and Caroline Davies, of Caerlleon, Llanboidy, ahead of the Ayrshires owned by the Thomas family, of Tyreglwys, Llangennech, who won the top non-Holstein herd award.

Top winners:

Production and inspection, large herds: E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf, Kidwelly; small herds: A. and C. Davies, Caerlleon, Llanboidy, Non-Holstein or British Friesian herds: W. R. and M. Thomas & Son, Tyreglwys, Llangennech. Herd production only, E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf. Herd inspection only, E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf. Nominated cow: S. P. and S. R. Davies, Brynhyfryd, Hebron, Whitland (Castellhyfryd Spirte Rosina). Non-Holstein or Friesian nominated cow: I. L. and E. Harries, Gellirhodyn Isaf, Cross Hands, Llanelli (Marleycote Peggy 10). Heifers: R. C. and C. Howells, Blaengelli, Cwmfelin Mynach (Blaengelli Reunion Ethel). Nominated heifer: S. P. and S. R. Davies, Brynhyfryd (Castellhyfryd Goldwyn Rosina). Non-Holstein heifer: I. L. and E. Harries, Gellirhodyn Isaf (Gelli Win Jill). In-calf heifer: M. W. and G. M. Williams, Clomendy, Llangain.

Special awards:

Health and fertility: D. E. and A. Davies, Blaencourt, St Clears. Bull progeny: E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf (Ecstasy Rodney). Nominated cow: E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf (Feithy Lilac 69). Dam and daughter: E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf. Group of three cows: E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf. Production and genetic management: E. R. and M. E. Jones & Sons, Cilfeithy Uchaf. New members: R. J. and C. Howells, Blaengelli, Cwmfelin Mynach. Female youngstock: R. J. and C. Howells, Blaengelli, Cwmfelin Mynach