In the 2017 Holstein Herd Competition, arranged by the South Wales Club and judged by Michael George of the Brynhyfryd herd, very little difference was seen between the best two herds with the nod going, for the first time, to the Waliswood herd of Paul, Bessie and Bryn Williams at Clyncoch, Cwrtnewydd.

As champion herd, and also winners of the small herd section, they will now represent the area in the next round of the Premier herd competition organised by Holstein UK.

The Williams’ animals also won best individual in the small herd section (Waliswood Topshot Blomke) – twice champion at Aberystwyth show, their homebred heifer (Waliswood Artes Flora) that went on to win the best dam and daughter award with Waliswood Shottle Flora.

Taking second place were the Lan herd of the Bowen family at Idole which provided the best homebred cow (Lan Fever Elderberry); the best three generation group (Glenys) and 100 tonne cow (Lan Wendy 118).

Leading the cow family class were the Geuffordd Jean’s from the Breeze family at Cilrhedyn who were also placed third overall in the small herd category.

The Rhydygors herd, owned by the Davies family at Talog, led the large herd section being praised by the judge for their deep milking quality coupled to a high standard of management.

Leading 100 tonne cow, Rhydygors Calenig Princess, captured a further trophy whilst the second placed Tegan herd of the Davies family at Llanybydder took honours in the dam and daughter (Alina’s) and three generation group (Texal).

From the third placed Clarby herd of the Llewelins at Clarbeston came best individal animal of this section, Croagh Petrelle 6th; top cow family, Laurie Sheik’s, and best heifer, Clarby Seagall Lollipop with Messrs George New Moat’s Trigarn Kaylie best home bred cow.

Not included this year was the bull progeny class that will now be a separate competition in August with results announced at a herd visit to the champion herd.