Irish cattle set for glory
The Holstein Friesian breeders and their animals flew out from Cork Airport last Sunday.
Few will be surprised if they return with a collection of trophies from Saturday's show although breeders from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Spain, and Austria will also be hoping to see their animals crowned as European dairy cattle champions.
The Irish cattle in Brussels include Quintana Melissa Grand EX, the Irish Examiner Farming Supreme Champion at last October's National Dairy Show in Millstreet.
Most of the other nine cattle were also seen at the North Cork event, where show judge, John Gribbon, Head Classifier with the Holstein UK organisation, predicted Irish cows would not be found wanting three months later in Brussels. The six day Agribex event in the Brussels Expo attracts more than 200,000 visitors, making it an ideal showcase for the genetic progress made by Ireland's best breeders.
An Irish Holstein Friesian Association tour of up to 100 supporters of the breeders and their cattle will be in the Belgian capital on Saturday.
