Showing is a way for Stowell Farms to place the spotlight on the herd’s quality genetics and create an outlet for their passionate young team.
“This is about investing in the team,” said Farm Manager Neil Ridgway. “A lot of why we’ve gone down the showing route in the last two years is the staff’s interest in it. It also raises our profile so when we have surplus heifers to sell, we already have our name out there for having quality stock.”
The team at the Wiltshire farm has made huge steps to improve the herd’s genetics in recent years. Up until 2023, the emphasis had been on herd expansion with much of the farm’s breeding strategy aimed at improving strength, robustness and production.
Since hitting 780 cows, the aim now is to “purify the herd,” using genomic testing to select the best females based on yield and milk solids.
Moving to a robotic milking system in 2023 – and improving the cows’ environment to maximise animal welfare and comfort – has also been fundamental in allowing the cow to express her full genetic potential.
Together with a consistent, well-balanced diet designed by our Technical & Sustainability Manager Dr Matt Witt, the team has seen a 4,000 litre a cow uplift in the last three years to 12,000 litres a cow a year.
Buying animals from high-genetic merit herds such as Willsbro, Willenhall, Gladwake, Styche, Drointon and Thakeham Holsteins, has also driven performance gains. At the same time, the robotic system has allowed the home herd to better express their potential.
This means there are some second and third calvers producing 17,000kg of milk a year, with three homebred cows producing over 100t of milk in their lifetime.
Neil and Herd Manager Chris Gowen are now working hard to develop the Serena Holsteins pedigree name among breeders by spending more time on the show circuit, headed up by Peighton Robertson and fellow herdsperson, Emily Duncan.
The team works together to identify the best animals to take into the ring, which unsurprisingly can result in a few good- natured arguments.
Chris favours cows with good legs and feet, dairy strength and body depth. He added: “There is a difference between commercial and pedigree, but commercial comes first. We look at the commercial side first and then if they suit showing.”
Peighton and Emily were selected to go to the Holstein Young Breeders Rally earlier in the year as part of the team from The South and Wiltshire Holstein Society. Peighton came eighth in the clipping and Emily won her stocking judging class. Chris said weekends away representing the breed are hugely beneficial.
“It’s about learning off experienced people and seeing how things are done outside and experiencing different views. It’s looking for that extra edge to improve everything we’re doing,” he explained.
Some of the top accolades to date include Champion Holstein and Reserve Champion Interbreed at the Mid Somerset Show.
The All Breeds All Britain Calf Show (ABAB) was also a big date in the diary this year, with Stowell sending eleven calves.
Preparations started months beforehand, with calves regularly handled, washed and clipped in a chute sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers as part of Stowell Farms’ involvement as one of our Focus Farms.
A showing box is also at the ready.
Peighton said: “You almost want to do a couple of rough clips before the show so they have the hair growth and they’re used to it as well.”
For Peighton, showing cattle is a passion that started from a young age growing up on a dairy farm. “My family did sell up when I was quite young, but they kept a few showing cows for me. I’ve just loved it ever since,” she said.
Chris’s sons Elijah, 10 and Noah, seven, have also started to show a keen interest and are ones to watch in the future. On the day of the ABAB, Peighton came fourteenth in a very strong handlers class of 21.
The team also took eight cows and calves to the October Dairy Show at Shepton Mallet and returned with a big trophy haul, including first place with Lambda Kay and a second in the pairs with Camden Milly and Lambda Sara.
A huge congratulations to the Stowell team.