Holstein feature for cattle show rings
The strength of West Gippsland’s dairy region will take centre stage in cattle rings on Saturday with a Holstein feature show.
Supported by Holstein Australia, the Holstein feature show will give local breeders an opportunity to show their dominance.
Entries from across the state are expected in the Holstein classes including 18 heifer and cow classes as well as the all-Australian calf, best udder and junior and senior champion and reserve champion titles.
Dairy classes include both Holsteins and Jerseys. Major awards in the dairy rings will be for champion dairy heifer and champion dairy cow and there also will be strong competition for the most successful Holstein and Jersey exhibitors.
Dairy cattle classes, including Holstein and Jersey breeds will begin at 10am.
Local beef breeders also are expected to dominate in cattle rings with judging also underway from 10am.
Traditionally the cattle rings are a great display of West Gippsland’s strength in dairy and beef cattle industries.
Judges in past years have praised the quality of cattle on show at Warragul. Although sometimes low in numbers, judges praise the quality and commitment of local breeders in putting their best in the cattle rings for show day.
This year’s beef judging will take on a new format with all breeds being judged together in the same ring.
In past years entries have been divided into British and European breeds with overall interbreed judging to determine the best beef cattle of the show.
However, with entry numbers declining, organisers decided to restructure the beef program with the aim of making the classes more interesting for both judges and exhibitors.
The all breeds beef classes will feature junior heifer and bull classes as well as senior female and beef classes.
Junior and senior championships will be awarded as well as a grand champion exhibit and supreme beef exhibit.
Beef entries from a variety of breeds will include Simmental, Limousin, Gelbvieh, Pinzgauer, Belgian Blue, Angus, Red Poll, Lowline, Hereford, Poll Hereford, Murray Grey and South Devon.
Judging of junior classes will begin after the cattle judging including classes for junior beef leader and junior beef cattle judging.