Paula Hynes: Snowy roads, new calves and the on farm challenge

Danske Bank are the main sponsors of the RUAS Winter Fair, so when livestock classes were cancelled at the show due to the bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland, it was fantastic to see them step up for the on farm challenge, writes Aherla dairy farmer Paula Hynes

Danske Bank on farm challenge judge Alan Timbrell with Georgie Hynes and their Jersey heifer in milk entry Potterswalls Victorious Cash. Picture: Paula Hynes

It is Danske Bank On Farm Challenge week, and we were visited by UK dairy judge Alan Timbrell who viewed our five entries. Georgie and Richard Jones prepped the animals to ensure they looked their best, just as they would for competition at the RUAS Winter Fair.

The competition was a huge undertaking for the judge, viewing cows and heifers across 32 counties over three-and-a-half days. It also involved a lot of driving for his trusted drivers, Ashley Fleming and Mark Logan.