Countdown On For Tipperary To Enter All-Ireland Dairy Cow Contest
With less than a month to go to Ireland’s top Holstein Friesian pedigree dairy contest, the countdown is on for Co. Tipperary dairy breeders to represent their county and enter the Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow by the closing date of 10th August.
The organisers say that the strong turn-out of previous and new entrants at last year’s show should encourage other breeders to take up the challenge. Competition director, Brendan Smyth explained, “we were delighted to see such a strong representation from all over the island of Ireland at last year’s show. It was one of the biggest entries in the history of the competition. We hope it has encouraged more breeders to put the date in their diaries and keep an eye on the prizes which range from Heifer in Milk, to Junior Cow and of course the top prize of Champion.”
Sam McCormick, who farms just outside Bangor, in Co. Down, winner of the 2017 Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow at the Virginia Show with from left Hazel Chu Diageo Ireland; Robert Murphy, Diageo Bailesy Global Supply; Henry Corbally, Glanbia Ireland and Minister Michael Creed T.D., and Minister Heather Humphries T.D.
Sam McCormick from Co. Down bred last year’s overall Champion, Hiltara Lanthority Echo 2. Commenting on his success he said, “it was the win of the year for me. It’s an absolutely brilliant event with all the best cows competing in the ring at the same time.”
The competition rewards breeders that combine good conformation in their animals with top milk production capability. 2018 marks 35 years of the event which is backed by Diageo, the manufacturers of Baileys Irish Cream and its cream supplier Glanbia Ireland.
Winning the top prize at the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow rewards the farmer with €2,500 plus the Virginia Milk Products Perpetual Trophy. To be eligible for entry, cows must first have produced 500kgs of butterfat and protein in a 305-day lactation. Entry forms are available by contacting Brendan Smyth on ++(0)872560952.
