The FBD National Dairy Show, which is set to take place in Millstreet Co. Cork this October, has announced the judges for the 2026 edition.

The prestigious show, which is now in its 44th year, showcases some of the best dairy cows in the country.

And with such tough competition in the ring, the very best of judges are needed to be able to make tight champion winning calls.

Cattle judge

Co. Antrim's Mark Logan has being announced as the man to take the difficult task of judging the cattle classes.

Based in Islandmagee, Logan is farming Holstein heifers under the Clovervale prefix, as well as a number of Beef Shorthorns, and “for some inexplicable reason, 30 sheep".

Logan spent 33 years managing Clandeboye Estate, situated outside Bangor in Co. Down, before taking to retirement 18 months ago.

During his time in Clandeboye Estate, Logan developed the Clandeboye herds comprised of pedigree Holsteins and Jerseys.

Logan's expertise was the backbone behind the two Master Breeder Awards achieved by the Holstein herd.

Under Logan's reign, the herd also achieved the prestigious Holstein UK's Premier Pedigree Herd title in 2007.

As well as numerous wins across show rings such as the Interbreed title at RUAS Balmoral and several Championships at the Irish National Holstein Show.

The Clandeboye Jerseys also took the Interbreed title at the RUAS Winter Fair in both 2012 and 2021 under Logan.

Logan's career with pedigrees began in his youth when he began stock judging with his local young farmers club.

He has not shied away from the centre of the ring since, and has had the final say in a number of major competitions such as;

Baileys Champion Cow;
Emerald Expo;
Charleville Show;
The Royal Welsh Show;
The Royal Highland Show;
UK Dairy Day;
Agriscot;
The Jersey Island Autumn Show.

His expertise earned him the role of president of Holstein UK between June 2025 and July 2026.

Logan has also served as chair of the Jersey Cattle Society of the UK, and is currently a vice president of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

With an impressive resume and a regular attendance at the National Dairy Show in Millstreet, Logan said he is delighted to have been asked to judge this year's event.

Handler judge

Moving to the handler classes, the pressure will be on Scotland's Jane Steel, who will have the difficult task of picking a champion.

Steel is well known in the pedigree industry for her role as a livestock photographer, with her photos appearing in almost every pedigree catalogue.

It is a role which she consider herself lucky to have undertaken for the last 30 years, as it has giving her the opportunity to travel the world and photograph some of the best cows in each country she has visited.

Steel is also actively involved with her family farm near Loch Lomond.

She keeps her own herd of cattle under the Lomond prefix, a name which has witnessed much show and sale successes.

The Scot's judging resume is just as impressive as her career, as Steel has taken to the ring across the UK, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, and Australia.

Some of the shows which she has judged include;

The Balmoral Show;
The Royal Highland Show;
The Yorkshire Show;
The All-Britain Calf Show;
The All-Ireland Calf Show;
International Dairy Week in Australia.

Steel recently judged the Colour Breed Handlers at the All-Britain Calf Show in 2025, and is now looking forward to meeting and judging the Young Handlers at this year's show in Millstreet.

Both judges will need every ounce of their expertise and experience in the Green Glens Arena this October 9-10, as the competition is sure to be fierce.

Any breeders who feel they can wow these judges must have their entries in by September 18.

Keep tuned to Agriland, official media partners of the 2026 FBD National Dairy Show, for further updates.