Pictures: National Dairy Show

Two-day event at the National Dairy Show continues in Millstreet, Co Cork

Judge Ashley Fleming judging his handlers in the ring at the AXA National Dairy Show 2023, Photo: Maria Kelly

Dairy farmers were out in force this weekend at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, for the National Dairy Show.

Some of this year’s highlights include the industry’s innovation awards, machinery demos, industry meeting place and of course, the best dairy show cattle battling for the most prestigious dairy showing competitions in Ireland.

AXA National Dairy Show 2023, Jersey Junior Championship, Pictured are: Judge, Ashley Fleming, Honourable Mention, Gabriel Chrome Rose exhibited by Robert Shannon, Sarah Shannon, Handler, Reserve Champion Rathard Choco Dream D Chalain exhibited by Peter & Paula Hynes, Georgina Hynes, Handler, Champion Jones Ferdinand Cupid exhibited by Gary & Izzy Jones, Izzy Jones, Handler with Rory and Ted Jones, Ursula Forrest, Cork Holstein Friesian Breeders Club President, and Sponsor, Stephen Lyons (Univet). Photo: Maria Kelly

Judge Ashley Fleming in the ring at the AXA National Dairy Show 2023, Photo: Maria Kelly

National Dairy Show 2023, Novice Handling Championship - Pictured are: Richard Hamilton, President IHFA, Judge, Ashley Fleming, Gaeroid Long Honourable Mention, Manus Murphy Reserve Champion, Will Jones Champion, Ursula Forrest, Cork Holstein Friesian Breeders Club President, with Eddie Chambers, Kerry Agribusiness, Sponsor. Photo: Maria Kelly

In the hotseat in the show ring, were top international handler Alison Lawrie, of Arranview Holsteins and Brieryside Ayrshires, from Ayrshire, Scotland, and renowned Jersey breeder Ashley Fleming, of Potterswalls Jerseys, Co Down, stepping in for Niels Erik Haahr from Denmark.

YMA B Handler aged 13 - 16 years on 1st Jan ‘23 exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey Calf - Pictured are Judge, Alison Lawrie, Kate Lehane 3rd, Hannah Greenan 2nd, Becky Hynes 1st with Richard Hamilton, President IHFA. Photo: Maria Kelly

YMA C Handler aged 17 - 26 years on 1st Jan ‘23 exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey Calf, Pictured are: Judge, Alison Lawrie, Aimee O’Donovan 3rd, Sarah Shannon 2nd, Sarah Williamson 1st, Richard Hamilton, President IHFA with Sinead O’Sullivan, YMA Chairperson. Photo: Maria Kelly

YMA Showmanship League Finals, Class A Handler aged 12 yrs and under on 1st Jan ‘23 exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey Calf – Pictured are: Judge, Alison Lawrie, , Andrea Deane 3rd, Georgina Hynes 2nd, Eva Hickey 1st, with Rachel White, IHFA on behalf of Sponsor FBD. Photo: Maria Kelly

Big talking points at the ringside included the cut to Ireland’s derogation as well as the upcoming farm organisation presidential elections, with the show representing a key campaign ground for IFA hopeful Martin Stapleton, himself a dairyman from Co Tipperary.