Dairy strength and capacity vital to win Irish champion cow title

MORE than 20 top holstein friesians from all over Ireland are expected to be shortlisted to compete for the Baileys Irish Champion Cow title at Virginia Show in Co Cavan on July 31.

Superior milk production is a must for shortlisting but the final judgment by Michael Gould, who owns the Woodmarsh Holstein herd, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, will be on the overall beauty of the cows presented in the parade ring.

“I will be looking for a cow with dairy strength and capacity that has great mobility as well as a top class udder,” said Michael, as breeders north and south prepare for the competition which carries an €8,000 prize fund.