THE countdown is on for dairy breeders in West Cork to enter the €13,000 Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow competition, with entries closing on August 12th.
The competition rewards breeders that showcase good conformation in their animals combined with top milk production capability. Breeder of the ‘Diageo Baileys Champion’ will receive a cheque for €3,000 from the €13,000 prize fund. A range of category prizes are also available from Heifer-in-Milk to Junior Cow and Best EBI.
Farmers can submit entries online until August 12th at the Virginia Show website.
The awards are sponsored by Baileys Irish Cream producers, Diageo, and its cream supplier Tirlán. Judging of entries will take place on 21st August at the Virginia Agricultural Show in Cavan.
‘We anticipate a strong turn-out of Holstein Friesian breeders representing their counties for what is one of Ireland’s top dairy livestock events,’ said Patrick Gaynor, the entries co-ordinator.
‘Winning the Diageo Baileys Champion title is a sought-after achievement by any top Holstein Friesian dairy breeder on the island. There’s immense pride in representing your county on the day. The outstanding cows that make the journey to ‘The Baileys’ are a big draw for spectators as well,’ said Mr Gaynor.
Taking place since 1973 the competition is one of the longest running sponsored pedigree dairy livestock competitions within the Irish shows’ circuit.
