Finishing-line in sight for two quality farmers

Picture: Colin Nicholson of Castiles Farm, Grantley near Ripon, North Yorkshire

The race is on for the Pfizer Quality Milk Award 2003 as two farmers gear up for the grand finale. From hundreds of entries, to six semi-finalists, to two finalists - Derrick Davies of Home Farm, Reading, Berkshire and Colin Nicholson of Castiles Farm, Grantley near Ripon, make it through as Britain's best.

Both farmers will have to wait for the awards ceremony to find out who will be jetting off to California with the prize of an all-expenses paid, seven day trip for two, including a visit to the World Ag Expo 2004. While the winner enjoys their luxury trip, they can relax in the knowledge that Pfizer is providing a relief milker

The judges described Mr Davies as a "forward thinking farmer", who works closely with his veterinary surgeon of Valley Veterinary Group, Bradfield, Reading. Judge Peter Edmondson MVB CertCHP FRCVS said: "Home Farm is maintained in excellent condition, benefiting from immaculate housing, a spotless milking parlour and a large, airy shed."

Mr Davies said: "I'm a stickler for attention to detail. I'm a strong believer that it is the detail that brings results. When you look after herd welfare, the animals give a better performance."

for total "peace of mind". The announcements will be made on the September 2003 at the Dairy Show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.

Also fighting for the title is Mr Nicholson, who stood out to the judges because of his dedication and in-depth knowledge of the dairy industry, coupled with the ability to understand potential herd problems and the focus to take action where necessary. His team approach, working closely with veterinary surgeon, Jonathan Statham of Bishopton Veterinary Group in Ripon, also impressed the judges who said Mr Nicholson is "especially in tune with his cows and their requirements".

Mr Nicholson said: "We have a young vet who has opened our eyes to something that we've been doing for years but haven't stopped to take a look at. 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."

For the competition, farms are put through rigorous inspection by a team of judges who also ask local vets and milk buyers for their opinions about how the farm performs. The whole process takes about six months and only when the judges are sure that they have assessed every aspect of the farm's performance do they decide on the finalists.