The Diageo: Baileys’ Dairy Cow of the Year for 2015

The Diageo: Baileys’ Dairy Cow of the Year for 2015

John Barrett, from Togher in Co Cork, won the Diageo: Baileys All Ireland Dairy Cow title at Virginia Show 2015 with his fourth calver Laurelmore Duplex Impala EX 96.

“She is home bred and is projected to give 14,500L at 3.44% protein in her current lactation,” he said.

“The cow is currently in calf to Golden Field Raphael.

The Barrett family had previously won the Baileys’ title 20 years ago. Judge Edward Griffiths, from South Yorkshire, described his champion as a truly elite cow.

“She would probably win any dairy championship in Europe at the present time,” he said.

“The cow has tremendous dairy strength and an excellent mammary system. She reflects all the positive attributes of the Holstein breed. I was very impressed with the overall quality of the cows and heifers that took part at in all of the competition classes.”

The Champion Reserve, Baldonnel Goldwyn Sublime VG89, was exhibited by Cyril Dowling from Baldonnel in Co Dublin. The animal was imported as an embryo from Canada.

“She calved for the second time last December and is on track to produce 3,000 gallons of milk during her current lactation,” said Dowling.

“The cow is currently in calf to Pine-Tree Sid and is due to calve again next February. She is closely related to the only red and white cow in the world to achieve an EX 97 classification. Sublime had previously  won the Baileys’ Heifer Championship at Virginia Show in 2013.

The Honourable Mention went to Liam and Sandra Murphy, from Bagenalstown in Co Carlow with Evergreen Duplex Ebony EX 92.

Co. Antrim breeder Conor McAufield was awarded 4th place with his 28 month old calved heifer, Cannontown Lheros Diamont. She was bred by Michael and Cathriona McDonnell, form Termonfeckin in Co Louth.