Walford success at Oswestry Show
Walford and North Shropshire College notched up its best ever performance at this year’s Oswestry Show, picking up a string of rosettes including the coveted champion dairy cow.
Mike Lutman Head Herdsman at Walford Farm with winning cow, Walford Manor Matson Lupin in the grand parade
It was a proud day for Head Herdsman Mike Lutman, who led the Walford-reared Walford Manor Matson Lupin in the afternoon parade, where he was presented with the trophy for best dairy cow by the Show President’s wife, Ann Hughes. In addition to the trophy, the Holstein Fresian Matson Lupin also won the Best Udder Award; Best Exhibitor Bred Award; and Holstein Champion.
Show judge Alan Morris was full of complements for the prize winning cow, praising her line, depth, udder and locomotion. Before picking out the Walford cow as dairy champion, he noted: “These animals are a real credit to their own farm business. I congratulate the exhibitors on bringing these wonderful animals to the show. They are what the industry is looking for”.
This best ever performance from Walford at the Oswestry Show comes at the end of a busy year for the team at Walford Farm, following the completion of the new dairy and acquisition of over 100 additional cows to bring the herd up to almost 300. Beaming from ear to ear, Mike Lutman described the show success as “the icing on the cake”.
Neil Ridgway, Walford Farm Manager (also a former Walford student) has been the driving force behind the dairy expansion and sees show entries as in important way of promoting the College and raising its profile with farmers and the wider community. Neil was “ecstatic” to see the string of rosettes and rightly proud of his team, including several Walford students who helped out on the day.
Andrew Tyley, College Principal paid tribute to Neil Ridgway and the Walford team: “This is all down to hard work and dedication. The farm has had a fantastic year, but this just takes the biscuit”
Walford Farm operates as a commercial farm but also provides a first class practical learning environment for agriculture students studying at the Walford Campus. Full-time courses start early in September 2013, with interviews continuing throughout the summer for late applicants. Anyone interested in studying agriculture at Walford should contact the Admissions team on 01691 688080; email admissions@wnsc.ac.uk or visit www.wnsc.ac.uk.
