A WENSLEYDALE farm won the county championship for the second time running when Chris Iveson of Myers Farm, Wensley, took the top trophy in the Yorkshire County milk recording herds competition.

The awards were abandoned last year, owing to foot-and-mouth, but Mr Iveson took the same title in 2000 and was delighted to receive it again on Monday night.

"The last two years have been very difficult from a farming point of view so it is very nice to win again," he said.

He was quick to say the success was a team effort and praised Alan Richardson, his herdsman, who was named best herds person. Both also spoke of the enthusiasm of Jayne Smith, their night milker, who was busy in the parlour while they attended the awards dinner at York racecourse.

The farm was awarded the supreme cup in the herd management inspection class for an average yield of 11,192kgs on 120 lactations.

Mr Iveson won six awards in total, including a cup for the highest lifetime daily yield with Myersgarth Promise Tina, which achieved 101,739kg.

Another highly prized award - the most efficient milk producer judged on all aspects of the farm and its management - was won by Stockdale Partners of Whitehouse Farm, Brompton, Northallerton, who were runners-up to Mr Iveson in the supreme award.

There were nine entries and the judges said the Stockdales were unrivalled winners. The citation noted their: "outstanding performance and attention to detail combined with management of stock and facilities that should be the envy of the farming industry."

Runners-up were Metcalfe farms of Washfold Farm, Leyburn. Their citation referred to: "an exceptional level of performance and efficiency produced in a large herd during a period of growth. As with the winner, a very high standard was seen in management of stock and facilities."

Metcalfe Farms also won the bull progeny and the three lactation production section of the county championships.

Ayrshire breeder J Lund & Son of Elm Tree Farm, Kirby Misperton, won five prizes including most improved herd and most improved cell count in the county section.

J L Shaw & Son of Grey Leys Farm, Elvington, near York, dominated the Jersey classes winning five of the six cups.

David Jones, competition secretary, thanked all those who had taken part in the competition which, he revealed, was almost abandoned after last year