THE Wharfedale-based Newbirks pedigree Holstein Friesian dairy herd of father and daughter David and Suzy Lawson, picked up its second Craven Dairy Auction championship of the year at the opening March sale at Skipton Auction Mart.

The Lawsons, of Mill Farm, Arthington, secured their latest title on Monday, March 12, with the first prize newly calven heifer, Newbirks Fantasmic Grannette 266, by the Genus sire, De-Su Fantasmic. She is out of Grannette 258, a milk-rich line established in the Lawson herd around half a century ago. Two weeks calved and giving 32 litres, the title winner, picked out at the pre-sale show by judge Martyn Jennings, of Cowling, sold to regular Skipton supporter Brian Blezard, of Ribchester, for top call of £1,880. The Lawsons were also responsible for the first prize newly calven cow, another from their Jazz line. Newbirks Jazz 1516, had produced her third calf ten days before the sale and came to market giving 45 litres. The 4.69 per cent butterfat cow sold for £1,420, again to Mr Blezard. Reserve champion for the second consecutive show was Mark Smith, of Rookery Farm, Winterburn, with his second prize newly calven heifer, by a home-bred stock bull, Brackenlea Boy George.