08.07.04
VIP prize for local dairy farmers

Dairy farming couple Andrew and Julie Bray, from St Martin, have just returned from an all expenses paid VIP trip to the Royal Show at Stoneleigh after winning a prize draw at this year's Royal Cornwall Show.

The couple's entry was first out of the hat in a prize draw run by Rural Progress, a project with investment from Objective One that helps develop new ideas and skills in farming and land based industries.

Andrew and Julie who run a dairy herd of 225 Holstein Frisians on their 280 acre farm at St Martin were delighted with their prize.

"The over night accommodation was outstanding and we had many privileges with our VIP governor's passes, we had a banquet lunch and access to the grandstand to watch the cattle judging and grand parade in comfort,"
said Andrew.

"The show was very interesting especially 'The Dairy Chain'; it covered everything from grass seeds, genetics for breeding programmes to milk production, manufacturing and retailers. I found it very useful being able to talk to the buyers from the large supermarket chains."

The couple also took their 16 year son Martin. He was particularly interested in all the latest machinery and Julie was very impressed by the Cornwall Taste of the West pavilion.

"It was really good to see lots of local producers promoting their products and Cornwall out of the region," she commented.

The couple received a mail shot promoting the prize draw and thought it was just the ticket as they hoped to visit the show this year.

"As dairy farmers we don't get the opportunity to go off on holidays so this came as a very welcome short break," said Andrew. "The experience has really made me think about how we go about marketing our milk and the possible alternatives."

Paul Charlton, project manager from Rural Progress who presented the couple with their prize said: "The Royal Show showcases innovation and excellence in British agriculture and rural industries, this is exactly what Rural Progress is trying to encourage through skills development and knowledge transfer."

"We appreciate how difficult it is for people to leave their business or farms, if only for a couple of days, but this time can be important for both reflection on current performance and inspiration for future ideas. We are really pleased that Andrew, Julie and Martin had such a good trip."

Editor's notes:

Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01579 370991

lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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