By Meyrick Brown

Reporting to the annual general meeting of Holstein (South Wales) held at Newcastle Emlyn RFC the chairman, Wyn Jones, referred to another successful year with the usual activities highlighted by two on-farm events at Rhydygors (Glyn, Myrtle and Tomos Davies) and Waliswood (Paul, Bessie and Bryn Williams).

Both of these days attracted excellent attendances when visitors not only saw good cattle but learnt lessons from visiting speakers.

The fundraising for the Holstein young breeders weekend – to be held in South Wales in 2019 – was well supported with the efforts of the retiring president, John Evans, adding to the amount raised of £3,723 plus further donations and a skittle competition.

A cheque for £375 was presented to Prostrate Cymru, being the proceeds of the offertory collection at the club’s Harvest Festival.

Wyn expressed the club’s congratulations to Glyn Davies and family of the 350 cow Rhydygors herd on repeating many of last year's herd competition successes and also to Paul Williams and family of Waliswood. He closed by thanking fellow officers, members and his family for their ongoing support.

Election of officers: president, Paul Williams, Waliswood: president-elect, Ronald Thomas, Churchvale: chairman, Lynley Griffiths, Fenni: vice-chairman, Tomos Davies, Rhydygors: secretary, Huw Evans.

executive committee, Arnoul Ramaker, Tyfri, and Clive Breeze, Geuffordd, were elected to fill two vacancies.

AWARDS

Holstein South Wales 2018 Annual and Production Awards: Malrick Trophy, overall points for all activities during the year – P, B and B Williams (Waliswood herd).

Midland Bank Trophy, fat production for three generations – G, M and T Davies (Rhydygors – Lena family).

Churchvale Trophy, fat and protein for three lactations – G, M and T Davies (Rhydygors – R Romper Lena EX 93(2) with a best lactation total of 1,317 kgs ,3624 kgs in total).

Gowertonian Trophy, protein over three lactations and type classification G, M and T Davies (Rhysgors-Ballythomas G Lar Thistle Ex93(2) with 1940 kgs protein in total).

Herd Production, large – G, M and T Davies, Rhydygors: medium – Eifion, Mary and Wyn Jones & Sons, Feithy: small – P, B and B Williams, Waliswood.

Individuals: heifer – G, M and T Davies (Rhydygors Saloon Sunshine 2 VG88-15355kgs 4.01% 3.26%) also junior cow (Rhydygors Shottle Louise 3rd Ex90(2)-17038kgs 4.85% 3.07%) and senior cow (Ballythomas G Lar Thistle Ex93(2)-23039kgs 3.67% 3.04%).

FUTURE EVENTS

Stockjudging evenings for competitors of all ages – Friday, May 18, at Derimoelon, Dryslwyn (by kind invitation of the Evans family) and Thursday, May 24, at Capel Farm, Llysonen Rd (by invitation of the Morse family).The best mark from the two evenings will be used to select the team to represent South Wales at the national final.