The two-day show commenced with the young handlers exhibiting Holstein or Jersey calves in the showring.

A livestream video from the showring at the FBD National Dairy Show can be viewed below:

The judge for the YMA (Young Members' Association) Showmanship League 2025 is Izzy Jones who farms in Co. Wexford

The YMA is the is the youth section of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) for all people up to and including the age of 26.

Following this, Jane Steel from Scotland will judge the FBD National Dairy Show showmanship classes, before selecting the champion and reverse champion handlers.

The show, now in its 44th year, attracts some of Ireland's elite dairy cows to compete for the Supreme Champion title which will be awarded tomorrow afternoon.

There are over 200 entries across 23 classes at this year's show, including handling; heifers of various ages; heifers in milk; and cows in milk across various age classes.

This year's judge for the cattle classes is Mark Logan from Co. Antrim.

Based in Islandmagee, Logan is farming Holstein heifers under the Clovervale prefix.

He previously spent 33 years as farm and estate manager at Clandeboye Estate in Co. Down and served as president of Holstein UK from 2025 to 2026.

FBD National Dairy Show

The FBD National Dairy Show also hosts Ireland’s largest specialised dairy trade exhibition.

There are around 130 trade stands this year covering all aspects of the sector, ranging from animal health; breeding; dairy agricultural technology; milking equipment; robotics; machinery; finance; nutrition; soil and land management.

Visitors will have a chance to visit the Rispoval Calf Village, sponsored by animal health company Zoetis for the third consecutive year.

The village offers a comprehensive showcase of calf care, expert advice and youngstock solutions.

The FBD National Dairy Show Innovation Awards will be presented this evening at a special ceremony.

The awards recognise new products and services that have made a real impact on dairy farming over the past year.

Agriland Media is the official media partner for the FBD National Dairy Show, and you can follow all the action on our YouTube channel, website, app and social media channels.