I farm: “About 150 acres, most of which is owned but 20 acres are rented. We are milking 120 cows and have about 100 young stock.”

Dairy: “We have doubled cow numbers in the last three years. The cows are mainly Jersey with a small few Shorthorns about as well. They are bred to Jersey through 100% AI. We use sexed semen on the heifers and a few cows and it has worked very well. It’s why we have a surplus of female stock that we can sell or keep.”

Performance: “Cows are averaging 6,300 litres per year with 5.5% fat and 4% protein. While the solids make up a good proportion of the milk cheque, we try to keep a balance. Cows are calving all year round, but are predominantly autumn-calving to get the winter bonus.”

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Balmoral Show: “We have been showing at Balmoral since 1974 and I think we have only missed one year. We have been successful and won the supreme interbreed dairy championship for the past two years, and six times in total. We have a group of 10 cattle going this year, eight Jerseys and two Shorthorns. It’s important to be there not only for the showing but to meet potential customers. You’d never know who you would meet who would ring you in six or nine months’ time looking for a heifer.”

Family: “There’s my wife Lynda, and our daughter, Ailsa (11) and our two sons, Lyndon (19) and Lindsay (21) who works at home on the farm, but is also involved in cattle preparation off farm.”

Young farmers: “There is a future for young farmers but it will be tough for a while. It can be a bit demoralising for them because they expect to see results instantly, which is not always the case. Their attitude is always ‘‘why not?’’ as they want to drive on the business. With Lindsay working on the farm, it helps to keep costs down but it can have its strains.”

Quotable quote: “The whole family is involved with the showing, it’s the hobby side of farming. Win or lose, you want to go back the next year – it’s addictive!”