First Ever UK Dairy Expo Coloured Breeds Supreme Champion Crowned at Record-Breaking 2026 Event

More than 500 cattle from leading breeders across the UK gathered at Borderway Mart for the 2026 UK Dairy Expo, where the inaugural Coloured Breeds Supreme Champion was crowned alongside the Overall Supreme Holstein and the Supreme Heifer Champion, highlighting world-class dairy genetics and the strength of the next generation entering the industry.

Toi Toi My Mums A Hoover was crowned the first ever UK Dairy Expo Coloured Breeds Supreme Champion, meanwhile, Evening Sidekick Jennifer was crowned the 2026 Overall Supreme Holstein Champion of the Show & Crossfell RT MH Victorious Star ET took the Supreme Heifer Champion.

The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sue Armstrong from Great Salkeld, Penrith, while Matthew Hodgson from the Wormanby Herd was named the recipient of the 2026 UK Dairy Expo Rising Star Award.

With record-breaking numbers of entries in both the main cattle classes and the showmanship competitions, the 2026 Borderway UK Dairy Expo proved once again why it is the foremost competition and showcase dedicated to dairy cattle in the UK.

Held on Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th March and hosted by Harrison & Hetherington at Borderway Mart, UK Dairy Expo 2026 was supported by main sponsors Holstein UK, the Cattle Information Service (CIS) and Afimilk. 

Some of the UK's most prestigious breeders and herds took part across the seven breeds represented. This year's main breed championships were judged by Canadian judges Steve Fraser of Fraeland Farms and Adam Hodgins of Hodglynn Holsteins. North Yorkshire's Sally Howarth judged the National Friesian Show, while Scotland's Jessica Miller judged the Showmanship classes.

One of the most anticipated highlights this year was the introduction of the Coloured Breeds Supreme Championship, where the champions from the Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn, British Friesian and Red & White sections competed for the magnificent newly created Leanne Hedges Trophy, awarded for the first time in memory of the well-known dairy industry figure.

Judge Adam Hodgins was delighted to announce the winner, commenting, "The line-up was incredibly impressive, and all of these cows are champions, so it has been a difficult task. But this cow has all the parts together, she has great balance and every dairy quality you would want."

Speaking after the win, Brent Crothers of Toi Genetics said, "We have been trying for a while, and this means everything. I had an accident and broke my back, so winning this is awesome. Leanne was milking Brown Swiss for Kedar and this is a granddaughter of a Kedar cow."

Champion Holstein, Evening Sidekick Jennifer from Evening Holsteins, Evening Hill Farm, Thursby, Carlisle, is no stranger to Dairy Expo success. As a young calf she was crowned Junior Champion and in 2023 Supreme Champion.

Reserve Holstein was Belaw Tropic Elm 153 from Wormanby Farms Ltd & Enchanted Holsteins, with Bartinney Duplo Swizzle 2, exhibited by DR & HM Horsley, receiving Honourable Mention.

Canadian judge Steve Fraser praised the quality of the competition, saying, "It has been a great honour to judge here today. We have seen incredible cattle, and everyone must be congratulated, especially those who care for these cows. All of the cows in this final line-up are cows we dream of, but the winner is an incredibly beautiful dairy cow."

Commenting on the win, Emma Wilson from Evening Holsteins said, "It is incredible – I am over the moon. This is our local show, so it means everything to us."

Now in its second decade, the significance of UK Dairy Expo within the UK dairy sector continues to grow and evolve and this event is the most prestigious showcase in the UK for world-class dairy cattle, while our trade exhibition provides a platform for highlighting innovation and advancement across the dairy industry.

Glyn Lucas, Senior Dairy Auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington and event organiser, said, "This has been another outstanding event and possibly the most successful Dairy Expo to date in terms of numbers and the quality of livestock. Across the board we are seeing real commitment from the next generation, which is fantastic for the future of the sector. UK Dairy Expo continues to establish itself as an international dairy event and it is not just a show of cattle. the trade exhibition trade stands attending from as far away as China also ensures it a hub for knowledge, innovation and technology, allowing visitors to see the latest developments within the dairy industry."

Expo TV, a full livestream of the entire show, saw over 10,000 viewers from around the world watch with excitement some of the UK's most progressive dairy herds competing for the honours and highlighting the very best in dairy genetics and breeding.

For the first time since its inception in 2013, the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to a female leader within the dairy industry. Sue Armstrong of Wolfa Holsteins, Penrith, received the honour in recognition of her dedication and lifetime contribution to the dairy industry, along with her commitment to supporting and mentoring others within the sector.

On receiving the award, Sue said, "It is a great honour. John Dennison was a great man for our Holstein breed and a tremendous family man. I am just so delighted. I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with HYB – it is such a tremendous organisation for young Holstein breeders."

The next generation of dairy enthusiasts was strongly represented, with a record breaking 99 young people competing in this year's showmanship competitions.

The calibre of entries continues to rise each year, highlighting the passion and skill of the young people who represent the future of the dairy industry.

Recognising emerging talent within the sector, the Rising Star Award, sponsored by ToiToi Genetics, celebrates a young person working behind the scenes who demonstrates exceptional knowledge, dedication and attention to detail when working with livestock.

This year's award was presented to Matthew Hodgson from the Wormanby Herd in Cumbria. Matthew began showing calves at the age of four and has developed his skills under the guidance of mentors and industry figures he admires. His passion for caring for cattle and ensuring they are managed to the highest standards made him a clear winner.

Presenting the award, the judge commented, "His dedication, work ethic and attention to detail made this year's winner stand out. He won't leave the barn or the cows until everything is completed to the highest standard."

With outstanding presentation throughout the event, the 2025 UK Dairy Expo Tidy Lines Award, sponsored by Agri Feed Solutions, was presented to Toi Toi Genetics.

The annual photography competition was judged by artist Kate Simpson, with the winning entry awarded to Julie Hodgson from Consett for her picture of a group of Red and White dairy cows.

Concluding the event, Glyn Lucas said, "UK Dairy Expo continues to go from strength to strength. The quality of cattle, the dedication of exhibitors, and the enthusiasm of the next generation make this event truly special. It is a fantastic showcase for the very best of the UK dairy industry and we are proud to provide a platform where breeders, businesses and young people can come together to celebrate and drive the industry forward."

Results

2026 Supreme UK Dairy Expo Champion – EVENING SIDEKICK JENNIFER

2026 Supreme Coloured Breed Champion – TOI TOI MY MUMS A HOOVER

2026 Genus ABS Supreme Heifer Champion – CROSSFELL RT MH VICTORIOUS STAR ET

2026 Showmanship Champion

Champion - Calum Gray aged 18

Reserve Champion - Cody Paul- aged 11

Hon Mention - Matthew Hodgson – aged 14

2026 Breed Champions:

Ayrshire

CHAMPION - BEELINE PROGRESS BRINDLE

RESERVE - MIDDLE MOLLI TS

British Friesian

CHAMPION - IRTHINGELT BAMORAL SPIRIT 4

RESERVE - LISMULLIGAN EMPRESS 69

Brown Swiss

CHAMPION - TOI TOI MY MUMS A HOOVER

RESERVE - KEDAR AURORA

Dairy Shorthorn

CHAMPION - COTONHALL FELIX SIENNA

RESERVE - CHURCHROYD STRAWBERRY 16

Holstein Champion

CHAMPION – EVENING SIDEKICK JENNIFER

RESERVE – BELAW TROPIC ELM 153

Jersey

CHAMPION - RIVERMEAD ADDICTION SANGRIA

RESERVE - RIVERMEAD FERDINAND CANDY

Red & White

CHAMPION – ARRANVIEW MIRAND APHRODITE RED ET

RESERVE – SPRUCEGROVE O KELLEY ET