Some of the cream of the area's dairy genetics were on display at Celtic Dairy Showcase at the Carmarthen Showground.

The event provides a spring judging platform for top quality Holstein, brown Swiss and Channel Island dairy cattle from calves to mature cows together with a range of keenly contested showmanship classes for the young handlers.

This year’s judge was Garry Hurley of the top prize winning 100-cow Clonpaddin Holstein herd in Co Wicklow, Ireland, first established in 1954 by John Hurley, and now run by his sons Garry and brother, Patrick.

Another claim to fame of their herd is that is has an off-farm career starring in Hollywood romantic comedy 'Leap Year' and television adverts for Kerrymaid and Budweiser!

Garry remarked: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited to judge at this show. Times are tough in the dairy sector, and it is important to have events such as this to bring the industry together and to encourage farmers to come and talk about how cost effective solutions can provide a way forward”.

Mr Hurley gave the overall championship to the home bred, October 2012 born, in milk third calver Holstein, Erie Goldsun Supreme Maude, from local breeder, Iwan Morgan of Nantybwla, Carmarthen.

The Wilson partnership took reserve with another home bred, the September 2014 born, in milk heifer, Tregibby Winbrook Pledge.

The non-black and white breeds were led by the brown Swiss champion, the in milk third calver, Moorcroft Manchester Agatha, from Richard and Bethan Thomas.

On behalf of the Celtic Showcase committee, Sian Williams expressed her appreciation to everyone who was involved, especially the sponsors and exhibitors from both near and far.

“This winter has been the hardest I remember so we are incredibly grateful that they have been able to muster the energy and enthusiasm to turn their incredible stock out so well and put on a fantastic show of cattle for everyone to enjoy,” she commented.

The show included a silent auction, including a number of live animals (shown on video) and donated embryo lots, to help fund the South Wales Young Holstein breeders club who will be hosting the UK Weekend Rally in 2019.

Officials: Judge – Gary Hurley; organiser – Sian Williams; ring stewards – Iwan Thomas and Rhys Griffiths.

Championship results:

HOLSTEIN

Calves

Born on or after September 1, 2017 – A H Wilson (Tregibby Octane Geraldine); res – Iwan Morgan (Erie Eastern Promise CG Attitude).

Born between April1-August 31, 2017 – Iwan Morgan (Starlet Erie Sirwood Barbara ET); res – C T Lewis (Llancourt Doorman Lady).

Born between January 1-March 31 – Simon and Sian Davies (Castellhyfryd Solomon Rosina ET), res – A H Wilson & Son (Tregibby Brooklyn Maude).

Born between September 1-December 31 – A H Wilson & Son (Tregibby Doorman Pledge), res – Richard and Bethan Thomas (Tregibby Caviar Lustre).

Born between April 1-August 31 – Marc and Caroline Davies (Tynewydd Mincio Kitty 3) and res – Tynewydd Fry Rona 15). Junior champion – Tregibby Doorman Pledge. res – Tregibby Octane Geraldine.

Heifers

Yearling – A H Wilson & Sons (Starlet Solomon Maria).

Two year old – A H Wilson & Son (Dowervale Bradnick Whitetime); res – Paul, Bessie and Bryn Williams (Waliswood Fever Celicia 9).

Milkers

Three year old – A H Wilson & Son (Tregibby Windbrook Pledge) and res – (Tregibby Lavanguard Mercy).

Four year old – P, B and B Williams (Waliswood Topshot Blomke 119); res – A H Wilson & Son (Tregibby Windbrook Marci).

Five year old – Iwan Morgan (Erie Goldsun Supreme Maude); res – R and B Thomas (Moorshard Dude Paradise).

Six year old – A H Wilson & Son (Loford Goldwyn Marci).

Supreme – Erie Goldsun Supreme Maude; res – Tregibby Winbrook Pledge.

COLOURED BREEDS

Brown Swiss – Alan and Caroline Davies (Quarry Blooming Bali); res – R and B Thomas (Churchvale Schebang Agatha). Honourable mention – Mark and Sian Williams (Elite Blooming Lovely).

Channel Island – Future Dreams Partnership (FD Excitation Geminis Blossom) and res (FD Exciting Daffodil). Honourable mention – Lynn Roberts (Olympic Tequila Milki).

Milking Cow – R and B Thomas (Moorcroft Manchester Agatha).

Supreme – Moorcroft Manchester Agatha.

SHOWMANSHIP

Winning young handler – Chrisie Baker (senior), res – Peighton Robertson (junior).