The 2024 AXA National Dairy Show is underway today (Friday, October 11) at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Co. Cork.

The two-day event is beginning with young handlers exhibiting Holstein and Jersey calves in the arena.

The 2024 YMA Showmanship League judge is Leiza Montgomery from Co. Down who has been showing for over 30 years.

Agriland is the official media partner for the event, and you can see all the action on our YouTube channel, website and app.

The AXA National Dairy Show is a highlight on the annual showing calendar and attracts some of the country's top cows from the country’s top pedigree breeders to battle it out for the Supreme Champion title, which will be awarded tomorrow afternoon.

Last year, the title was claimed by Eedy Doorman Fame VG89 from the Eedy Holstein herd in Co. Cork.

In total, there are some 240 entries across 20 classes, including handling; heifers of various ages; heifers in milk; and cows in milk across various age classes.

The winner of this year’s Supreme Champion title will be chosen by the judge Niels Eril Haahr from Denmark.

He is one of the top Holstein breeders in Denmark and runs the Anderstrup herd with his wife and four children.

Neils is no stranger to the show ring both as an exhibitor and judge. He has judged at shows in Spain, Holland, Belgium, England, Portugal, Denmark and more.

Among the other show piece events is the AXA National Dairy Innovation Awards.

The awards recognise a new product or service which has been launched in the past 12 months and that has revolutionised some aspect of dairy farming.

Along with an overall winner, there are awards in individual categories, namely science, technology, engineering, sustainability, and best start-up.

All trade stand exhibitors at the National Dairy Show were eligible to enter the competition.

Judging of the finalists will be carried out at the show on Friday, with a prize ceremony this evening.