Picture: Jonathan Statham VetMB MRCVS (Bishopton Veterinary
Group, Runner-up of the Quality Milk Veterinary Award), Colin Nicholson (Runner-up of the Quality Milk Award), David Baxter (Milk Quality Manager at Dairy Farmers of Britain, who accepted the certificate for the Runner-up of the Quality Milk Buyer Award on behalf of the Area Manager, David Rees)
North Yorkshire-based dairy farmer, Colin Nicholson of Castiles Farm, has been named as runner-up in the Pfizer Quality Milk Award for his high standard milk, and meticulous attention to the welfare of his livestock - a dairy herd of 123 Holstein Friesians. He receives £1,000, a trophy and certificate for his achievements, all presented at the Dairy Event in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, on September 17, 2003.
Mr Nicholson, a first time entrant to the award, was put forward by his veterinary surgeon, Jonathan Statham of Bishopton Veterinary Group. He has been a farmer all his life, but says: "A young vet opened our eyes to what we have been doing for years."
The judges commended his forward thinking attitude in regards to farm management and openness to discussion, which set Castiles Farm aside from the competition. They were impressed with Mr Nicholson's ability to understand potential herd problems and when to take necessary action.
"We have a closed herd and, when problems arise, we don't just treat them, we ask ourselves why has it happened and how can we prevent the same thing happening again," said Mr Nicholson.
Cows are routinely checked in the herd to help identify and eliminate disease, and calves are vaccinated against different types of pneumonia. Mr Nicholson plans to enlarge his milking parlour in order to increase airspace above the cubicle shed for improved ventilation.
To maintain healthy cows, Mr Nicholson uses several products from Pfizer including OrbeSeal®, the non-antibiotic dry cow treatment for preventing infection throughout the dry period. Mr Nicholson said: "This teat sealant prevents infection entering the cow, and is a definite winner that I have been using since last year – the right move forward on low cell count cows."
The Preliminary Entry Forms for next year's competition are now on the Quality Milk Award web site (www.quality-milk-award.com), which also contains other interesting information on the award. Further information can also be obtained from the Quality Milk Project Team on 020 8399 1184.
Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in animal health, committed to providing high-quality, innovative health products, including pharmaceuticals and biologicals, for livestock and companion animals. Pfizer Animal Health is a business of Pfizer Inc, a research-based pharmaceutical company with global operations. Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals, and many of the world's best-known consumer products.
