Baxters Farm commended for standards of cleanliness, tidiness, attention to detail and animal welfare.

A MUSBURY couple have been named the cream of the country’s dairy farmers.

Richard and Gillian Harvey have taken the top prize at the prestigious Milk Link milk hygiene awards.

Their Baxters Farm dairy was commended for its standards of cleanliness, tidiness, attention to detail and animal welfare.

And their recorded milk quality was deemed to have been of the highest hygienic standards, achieving an exceptional annual average bactoscan result - beating all other contenders in the ‘producing less than 500,000 litres per year’ category.

The Harveys received their award at a special ceremony at Milk Link’s open member meeting, in Exeter.

Cheques and plaques were presented by chairman Ronnie Bell and the sponsors National Milk Laboratories, GEA Farm Technologies and Diversey.

David Horton, from Diversey, was impressed with the winners’ outstanding record of milk quality .

He said: “Diversey are delighted to support Milk Link members in all aspects of quality milk production. The results this year are outstanding and it’s great to have the opportunity to recognise those who consistently produce the highest quality milk, and also the endeavours made by many individuals to improve aspects of their milk hygiene. This year’s results show what can be achieved with lots of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the award winners of 2011.”

Milk Link’s membership chief Phil Cork added: “

As with previous years, members have shown that they produce the highest quality milk in the country, which is why we are so proud to have these farmers as members of Milk Link.

“We would like to congratulate the Harveys who have demonstrated that consistent attention to detail is the key to success.”