The judge of this year’s Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow competition which carries a prize fund of 10,000 Euros said he was ‘on the look-out for a strong, balanced cow’ when he assesses the final link-up at the Virginia Show on 20th August.
40 year old Brian Miller from Somerset is owner of the prize-winning Moorshard Herd and the family 400 acre farm is based just outside Bridgewater. The herd comprises 200 cows producing an average of 11,000 litres on a twice daily milking routine. Brian said he was looking forward to a really good show and the anticipation of some great cows at Virginia. “I am never disappointed by the calibre of cows when I visit Ireland and I know I will see some of the finest from across the island of Ireland at Virginia,” said Brian.
In addition to the top prize of €2,500, €1,000 will be awarded to the breeder of the Reserve Champion and €500 for Honorable Mention. There is also a Best Heifer in Milk prize fund of €1,700. 1st place attracts a prize of €500, 2nd place will be awarded €300, and €200 will go to 3rd place. In addition, €100 will be awarded to entrants from 4th to 10th place inclusively. Trophies will be presented for Highest Protein Content, Best EBI and Best Exhibitor-Bred Cow and there is a Dry Cow fund of €500. The special awards for Best Protein and EBI emphasise important factors in milk production.
Breeders can access entry forms online at Virginia Show or via the breeding associations, Holstein NI and IHFA; and by contacting Brendan Smyth on ++353 (0)872560952. The closing date for entries is 11th August.