Wicklow farmers encouraged to enter stockjudging contest
WITH just days to go to Ireland’s top Holstein Friesian pedigree dairy contest, the countdown is on for Co Wicklow dairy breeders to enter the Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow before the closing date of August 10.
This year’s competitors will follow in the footsteps of Victor Jackson from Kiltegan and Arklow’s Gary Hurley, who represented the county at last year’s event.
Organisers hope that the strong turn-out from Co Wicklow last year will encourage other local breeders to take up the challenge.
‘We were delighted to see such a strong representation from all over the island of Ireland at last year’s show. It was one of the biggest entries in the history of the competition. We hope it has encouraged breeders to put the date in their diaries and keep an eye on the prizes which range from heifer in milk to junior cow and of course the top prize of champion,’ said competition director Brendan Smyth.
Winning the overall Diageo Baileys Champion Cow will bring a reward of €2,500 plus the Virginia Milk Products Perpetual Trophy.
To be eligible for entry, cows must first have produced 500kgs of butterfat and protein in a 305-day lactation. Entry forms are available from Brendan Smyth on 087 2560952.