Gearing up for dairy show

The biggest exhibition ever of trade stands in the 31-year history of the National Dairy Show has been announced by organ-isers of the 2013 renewal, which takes place at Millstreet on Saturday, Oct 19.

Many farmers are looking to the future, for methods to improve and expand their farms at every opportunity, said trade stand co-ordinator Sean Mac-Sweeney.

While the dairy show incorporates all aspects of dairy farming, showmanship and dairy cow classes (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) form a major part of the event, with a prize fund of €30,000 in 25 classes.

The very large entry of cattle will be judged by English expert Michael Gould of the Wood-marsh herd in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

In the Irish Examiner Farming Supreme Championship, last year ’ s winner, Ridgefield Dundee Portea, will be a contender again for the Frawley family of Rathkeale, Co Limerick, who have dominated dairy shows nationally over the past year. Her herd mate, Croagh Susie Mist 46, is also expected to figure prominently.

A recent intermediate champion at Millstreet, Clonpaddin Goldwyn Fanta, owned by the Hurley family from Co Wicklow; and the consistent Dalevalley OTI Lulu, owned by the Murphy family, farming near Cork City, are also leading contenders, according to the show’s cattle coordinator John Kirby.