After being so disappointed to see their plans for last years AGM foiled by a foot and mouth outbreak, Leslie & Maureen Hollow (2006/07 President) were able to see their ideas come to fruition this autumn. This years President, Dr Maurice Bichard, was only too glad to see the programme reborn.
Members gathered in deepest Cornwall on Tuesday September 9th to visit the Trewey Herd belonging to the Mann Family of Zennor, 5 miles from St Ives. Currently milking around 120 cows the herd is mainly Autumn calving averaging close to 6000 litres, 4.9% fat and 3.6% protein. Milk is sold to Milk Link and goes to make thefamous Rodda's Clotted Cream.
As we walked around the herd, we saw many of the famous Juno family who have won many prizes throughout the years. The most famous being Trewey Juno 38th (ChampionBath & west Conference Show and Royal Show 2005.)now in her 5th lactation and still looking good.
After this farm walk we retired to the village hall for a pasty lunch and some delicious desserts prepared by the local ladies.
Suitably refreshed we visited the Wayside Museum, an Aladdin's Cave of local history, which provided a break from the cattle viewing.
We then travelled to Chytodden, home of the Hollow Family (formerly Leslie and Maureen now farmed by Geoffrey and Carolyn).
Firstly we walked a short way to look at the neighbouring Bussow Herd belonging to the Thomas Family. This was a non-pedigree herd of around 100 cows, although by the quality of cattle on show, you would not have guessed so. The herd is producing nearly 6000 litres a head, and have used several local bulls with much success, notably Boskenna Loreleis Jasper. Several daughters in the herd caught the eye of many of us.
We then walked around the prize winning Chytodden Limousins bred by Geoffrey and Carolyn at the family farm. The Hollow Family then provided us with a lovely cream tea. The evening was spent at the Balnoon Inn enjoying a super carvery meal.
Wednesday morning dawned and we all met at Treddiney Farm to look at the wonderful herd owned by the Warren Family. There are around 170 Guernseys and 30 Jerseys in the herd and this will rise to 240 in the future. The herd averages over 7000 litres of milk and contains 18 EX and 62 VG cows.
The herd has had considerable success in the show ring, notably Laity Farm Primrose 96th Ex 95.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that James and his family have one of the best (if not the best!!) herd of Guernseys in the country. In fact all herds visited were of excellent quality and a credit to their owners.
We retired to the St Buryan Community House for lunch very kindly provided by our President.
Our A.G.M. in the afternoon was very subdued as our Chairman had made a very sad announcement. Mrs Sheilagh Andrews, of the well known Happy Valley Herd had sadly passed away that morning. Sheilagh was a wonderful lady who loved her Golden Guernseys and had only sold her herd a few years ago. Our thoughts go out out husband Wilf. She will be sorely missed by all.
A short summary of the meeting:
The Annual Competitions were dominated by the Warrens and their Tredinney Herd and The Briddlesford Herd from the Isle of Wight owned bythe Griffin Family. Well done to these leading herds.
In the Council Elections, Nigel Kennard and Philip Cox were re-elected to stand on council for the next three years. Congratulations to them both.
Lt. Col Chris Watson was welcomed as our President-Elect for 2009/10.
The main topic for debate during the meeting was Council's proposals for a decrease in the Levy from £9.50 to £9.00. Many members gave their views and the general feeling was that it should be left up to council to decide on any changes in the future.
The President, Dr Maurice Bichard,introduced the incoming President Mr Graham Facks-Martin and presented him with the model cow and badge of office.
On behalf of all the members present, I would like to thank Leslie and Maureen Hollow and Dr and Mrs Bichard for their time in planning such an excellent programme, and all the herd owners for their hospitality and making us all so welcome.
Comments
coxy
22 Sep 2008, 04:28
congratulations to those concerned in the above elections .
on Digby's blog he has an article on the channel 5 programme concerning A2
milk etc ,did anything come of the chese from GY dairy that col watson was
organising last yr when we visited GY or did it all fizzle .
coxy
Craig Walsh
22 Sep 2008, 04:45
I have been in the process, for several weeks, of trying to get permission
to use the Channel 5 video clip on the EGCS website. Turns out that all
Channel 5 news coverage is apparently produced by Sky News, and they
control the copyright. I'm waiting for a reply from Sky News. We do not
wish to infringe, in any way, on copyrighted material.
I also have an up-to-date list of farms that sell Guernsey milk, compiled
by Laura Sales. I'm ready to create a micro-site where consumers can
(hopefully) watch the C5/Sky video and then see where they can purchase the
milk near their home.
I am neither scientist nor dairy farmer. My sister is a speech therapist
with the NHS and works with autistic children. She is, at my request,
researching the scientific literature to provide me with a layperson's
summary of the current state of research, at least as it relates to
autism.
No fizzzing here . . .
As always, input/suggestions are most welcome.
