Holstein Friesian breeders are been urged to secure their place in the prestigious Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow Competition ahead of judging next month.

Breeders have three weeks left to enter the competition, as entries are due to close on Wednesday, August 12.

The competition, which has a prize pot worth €13,000, will take place at the Virginia Show in Co. Cavan on August 19.

Baileys cow

The Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy cow competition is sponsored by Diageo, who produce Baileys Irish Cream, as well as its cream supplier Tirlán.

The all-island event has been a staple fixture within the Irish agricultural show calendar for more than four decades.

The competition is stiff, as it attracts the very best of the pedigree Holstein Friesians in Ireland.

Whichever breeder does claim the top spot receives national recognition for themselves as a breeder, as well as the herd.

The winner also walks away with a handsome cheque for €3,000, while several other categories including Heifer in Milk, Junior Cow, Best Exhibitor Bred, Best Protein and Best Economic Breeding Index (EBI) also receive cash prizes on the day.

Corporate relations director at Diageo Ireland, Shane Kelly said: "With the fresh cream used in Baileys sourced through Tirlán's Virginia facility, the Virginia Show provides the perfect setting to celebrate the exceptional quality of Ireland's dairy industry.

"We look forward to welcoming breeders and visitors for another outstanding celebration of Irish dairy excellence."

Key account manager with Tirlán, Carol Power added: "We are delighted to continue our support for this competition in partnership with our customer Diageo.

"We wish every competitor the very best of luck."

2025 Champion

Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96 was crowned the Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow last year.

The then six-year-old Holstein Friesian cow is co-owned by Phillip and Linda Jones of the Hallow Holsteins from Co. Wexford and Joel and Clive Richardson of the Annaghmore Holsteins' herd from Co. Armagh.

Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96 had produced 13,467kg of milk in the lactation prior to the show in 2025, at 3.59% protein and 3.98% fat, producing a staggering 1,019kg of milk solids.

As if winning the Baileys title was not enough, the Hallow Holstein herd displayed further excellence in dairy breeding as their five-year-old cow, Hallow Denver Twizzle was awarded with the Reserve Champion title at the 2025 show.

The Honourable Mention went to Co. Monaghan, to the Greenlea Holsteins, with their heifer in milk, Greenlea Hurricane Isa.

The competition is said to be like the 'All-Ireland' of dairy breeding, as it showcases the continual improvement in Irish dairy genetics and celebrates those farms making strides in the breeding sector.

Therefore breeders should be making sure they enter on time for a chance to clinch the title.