A farmer has won a prestigious award for the breeding of cows.
Michele Wilde, of Ridge Farm in Soulbury has been awarded Most Improved Herd of British Blue Cattle by EBLEX.
EBLEX breeding specialist Samuel Boon said: “Michele is to be congratulated on her success, the main way for changing genetic potential of cows is through careful selection of the sire.
“This farm provides an example of what has been done exceptionally well.”
Ms Wilde is a seasoned show competitor and had success at major events, including the Royal Show and Royal Welsh Show, winning Premier Breeder 11 times.
She started breeding cows in 1982 and moved to breeding British Blues after finding disappointment with other breeds.
At one time she kept 90 in the herd. She said: “It takes a lot of work to record 90 cows... but over time relevance of the figures increased and Estimated Breeding Values are a very useful additional management tool for making breeding selections.”
Mr Boon added: “The bull selection decisions made today will still be influencing the herd in ten years’ time – so a little time spent studying performance records now is time well spent.
“Bearing in mind the long lasting impact of genetic selection, this year’s win bodes well for the future of the Ridge Dean Herd.”