The Baileys cow competition made its long-awaited return today (Wednesday, August 24), with the champion cow coming from Hilltara Holsteins from Co. Down.
The Virginia Show returned after a two-year absence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and one of the big attractions of the show today was the Baileys cow competition.
Baileys cow
The competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious in Irish dairying, drawing top stock from Co. Down to Co. Cork.
It rewards strength and good body conformation as well as proven excellence in quality milk production.
The competition last took place in 2019 when it was won by Co. Dublin breeders Cyril and John Dowling with their entry Baldonnel Flashmatic Draw.
This years Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition had entrants competing for a share of a €10,000 prize pot.
The top place of Overall Champion attracts a €2,500 prize; followed by €1,000 and €500 for Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention respectively.
Champion cow
This year’s Baileys champion cow prize was won by Co. Down breeders Sam and John McCormick with their entry Hilltara Undenied Apple VG89, selected by judge David Booth from Feizor Holsteins.
This second calved cow sired by Our-Favourite Undenied and by Hilltara Doorman Apple 2 dam came out on top.
The judge commented: “Hilltara Undenied Apple absolutely blew me away. She is a true model of a dairy cow, balanced, with strength.”
David Booth gave the Reserve Champion title to Hallow Atwood Twizzle 1191 EX90 from Co. Wexford breeders Philip and Linda Jones from Hallow Holstein.
Hallow Atwood Twizzle 1191 is a fourth calver sired by Maple Downs IG W Atwood and her dam is Hallow Advent Twizzle EX96.
She recently took home the Senior Holstein Friesian Champion at Tullamore show.
Hallow Atwood Twizzle 1191 dam is a previous winner of the event, she took home the title in 2016.
Honourable Mention was given to Baldonnel Brady Hailey from Co. Dublin breeder John Dowling.
The Dowling’s were the last winner of the event in 2019 with their entry Baldonnel Flashmatic Draw.
Junior cow
This year’s Junior cow prize was won by Co. Down breeders Sam and John McCormick with entry Hilltara Undenied Apple VG89 – she went on to win overall Baileys Champion.
Reserve Champion went to Hallow Impression Nicol VG88 from Philip and Linda Jones Hallow Holstein herd.
Honourable mention went to Co. Louth pair Tom Kelly and Alan Dorian for their entry, Monamore Diamond Barbie VG89.
Heifer in-milk
This year’s heifer in-milk title went to Co. Louth breeder Paul Flanagan with his entry Tubbertoby Unix Minutemaid.
Reserve champion went to Co. Down to Sam and John McCormick Hilltara Doorman Maude 21 VG87.
Honourable mention went to Philip and Linda Jones from Co. Wexford with their entry Hallow Octain Twizzle.
Other awards
The award for Best economic breeding index (EBI) went to Monamore Armours Darlene EX92 from Co. Louth breeders Tom and James Kelly.
The Best Protein award went to Nohl-Hilaz-Vray IMP EX92 from Co. Wicklow breeder Victor Jackson.
Congratulating the winners, Robert Murphy, head of Baileys operations said: “From being the world’s first cream liqueur to becoming the world’s most loved spirit, Baileys is now a global giant of a brand.
“We are proud of the brand’s heritage and its connection back to family-owned farms on the island of Ireland.
“This event highlights that link between superior genetics that go into the national dairy herd and the dairy farmer-suppliers of its primary raw ingredient.”