The 2022 event saw 101 entries from 67 farms which is an all-time record confirming this important competition is widening its appeal and growing in popularity.
Following last year’s sad, but understandable, cancellation it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm from so many farmers.
The competition is split into six categories including dairy clamp, beef clamp, hay, whole crop, maize, and big bale and is judged in two sections, one for analytical/nutrient content and the other on a visual assessment. This years’ event was sponsored for the first time by New Breed UK, a leading supplier of ruminant nutrition products and consultancy services to the farming and rural community.
Following nutritional analysis by New Breed UK, 27 entries were shortlisted for visual judging such was the closeness of the analytical scores where an inspection of the silage was carried out on farm.
Chris Wilson, Langwathby, judged dairy and whole crop, John Holliday, Clifton, judged maize, and hay whilst Matthew Robinson, Old Hutton, was the judge for the beef and big bale categories.
Christine Knipe, Chief Executive of the Westmorland Agricultural Society, said: “It was so good to be able to hold the Silage Competition again. Although missing for a year, we were delighted that it remains popular and really pleased to have received our highest ever number of entries.
“There is keen competition and friendly rivalry between the farmers, and it is also a great social occasion to share knowledge and best practice.”
Mark Borthwick, Director of New Breed, added: “We have enjoyed being part of this years’ Silage Competition organised by The Westmorland Agricultural Society. Our expert panel of judges were very impressed with the high standard of silage across the competition and commented that there were some very strong contestants.”
The results were announced at a delayed celebratory dinner held in March at Lane Farm with each judge recounting their day’s judging tour supported by photos. Winners were presented with a trophy and special New Breed award by Henry Robinson, President of the Westmorland Agricultural Society.
Special thanks go to the New Breed team, for supporting this year’s competition. Not only did they take and analyse the samples, New Breed also supplied chauffeurs for judging day, covering the length and breadth of the county, donated each farm with a smart jacket and provided special prizes for the winners.
Dairy Clamp
1st: D Jarman, Brow Top Farm, Branthwaite
2nd: J Ferguson, Blencogo House Farm, Wigton
Beef Clamp
1st: A Dixon & Son, Kit Crag, Selside
2nd: JA & R Geldard & Sons, Low Foulshaw Farm, Levens
Hay
1st: D McClure & K Little, Wood Broughton Barn, Cartmel
2nd: GM Sedgwick & Son, Lockbank Farm, Sedbergh
Whole Crop
1st: JS & IM Wilson, Monk Moss Farm, Whitbeck
2nd: A E & M K Hayhurst, Natland Park Farm, Natland
Maize
1st: A & S Morley, Petteril Bank, Southwaite
2nd: J Ferguson, Blencogo House Farm, Wigton
Big Bale
1st: D McClure & K Little, Wood Broughton Barn, Cartmel
2nd: GR Wadsworth, Raines Hall, Sedgwick