Cattle battle in Baileys dairy contest

MORE THAN 40,000 Irish cows are required to produce 50 million gallons of milk every year to produce the 2,260 glasses of Baileys that are consumed every minute of every day worldwide.

That impressive statistic and the fact that Baileys is the number one selling cream liqueur worldwide and the sixth largest selling global premium spirits brand sets the scene for a prestigious competition at Virginia Show in Co Cavan next Wednesday.

Jointly sponsored by R&A Bailey and Glanbia Virginia, the competition is now in its 23rd year and represents one of the longest sponsorships by a drinks company for a single event.

Baileys say they want to promote excellence in dairy cows, ensuring a top quality breeding stock which can supply the best quality cream for the brand’s key ingredients.

With a prize fund of €8,000, only cows producing 1,500/1,600 gallons of milk a year (500kgs of butterfat and protein) are eligible. That’s the equivalent of 11,000 litres of milk from an individual cow.

Good legs, a good-shaped back and well- proportioned udders constitute a champion dairy cow. Winners of the Baileys championship can sell for five-figure sums.

Paul Pratt, Ireland Home Director, R&A Bailey said Baileys now accounts for over 50% of Irish spirits exports. Its entire global supply is produced here.

Last year, Cyril Dowling, the noted Baldonnell, Co Dublin, breeder and exhibitor, won the title for the fifth time with a superb second calver.