The AXA National Dairy Show (NDS), the premier annual event for pedigree dairy breeders, will take place at Millstreet’s Green Glens Arena on October 11-12.

This prestigious event is the ultimate stage for breeders to showcase their cows and young stock. Entries are now closed for Cattle Exhibitors, with entries received from all four corners of the country.

Among this year’s competitors, are entrants from Galway; Roscommon; Monaghan; Limerick; Kerry, and Wexford, to name a few.

The show committee are excited to welcome back long-time competitors who have exhibited at the show for years, while also celebrating the debut of several first time exhibitors joining us this year.

AXA National Dairy Show

The event kicks off with the National Showmanship League finals and the NDS handler classes, all of which have received tremendous support.

Over 20 entrants will compete in the final handling class of the day, showcasing the promising future of Irish dairy farming.

Young stock classes have record entries, with large numbers spread across all five classes.

A  new Junior Two Year-Old Heifer In Milk class has been added to the prize schedule for the 2024 show, which has proved a popular addition among competitors.

Pleasing to see, is the large entry numbers for the Mature Cow and Production Classes, which is a testament to the longevity of the Holstein breed and the high level of management within their herds.

This year the Production Class entry criteria has strengthened, with the minimum entry requirement of kgs of milk solids produced increasing from 3000kg to 4000kg.

The NDS is deeply appreciative of AXA Insurance’s continued support as the main sponsor this year. As part of its generous sponsorship, each exhibitor will receive a €100 AXA Farm Insurance Voucher.

Recognising the effort it takes to prepare cows and heifers for show, particularly those in milk, the NDS is awarding a minimum of €200 in prize money to all winners in the milking classes representing one of the most competitive prize funds in the country.

Things may have quietened on a farm level in the last few weeks, so take a bit of time-off to get down to Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Co. Cork, on October 11-12 to witness this exciting and competitive showcase.