Entries for Baileys champion cow contest at Virginia Show increase

ENTRIES for the Baileys Irish champion cow competition at Virginia Show in Co Cavan next Wednesday are up on last year, in spite of the gloomy economic situation and the continuing market crisis in the dairy sector.

Competition director Brendan Smyth said he was encouraged by the interest shown by breeders. It demonstrated their support for a competition which is held in very high regard.

“Of all the major competitions, the Baileys alone combine good conformation with proven excellence in milk production capabilities.

“Breeders know that winning any one of the category awards is a great endorsement of their herd,” he said.

Mr Smyth said the commitment of Baileys and Glanbia to the competition has continued unbroken for 26 years.

In the Baileys Marquee there will be an opportunity for the general public to view the cows prior to entering the ring.

Tent accommodation is being made available to participants when they enter the showgrounds.

“Here, people will get to talk with the owners of these renowned herds and discuss the milk potential and genetic breeding of these animals.

“The owners can take this opportunity to display their stock to other dairy farmers who travel from far and wide to see these magnificent cows and heifers,” he said.

Lancashire man John Gribbon, Head Classifier and Breed Development Executive with the Holstein Association in Britain, will be this year’s international judge.

Virginia Show itself has 68 years of history behind it. This year it will have 450 classes, with exhibitors from the 32 counties.

Press Officer Kathleen Duffy said the event keeps developing in order to incorporate traditional rural farming enterprises with the new vibrant and now diverse community that has grown in the north-east.