'Cow with Class' will be All-Ireland Champion says Welsh Judge

The judge of the most prestigious livestock competition in Ireland says he will be watching out for 'a cow with class' when top Holstein Friesian breeders from across the island battle it out for the biggest dairy cow prize fund in the land. Michael George ARAgS, who farms 1400 acres in Pembrokeshire, West Wales said to win the top title of Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow, the winner must "have balance and strength." The competition takes place at the Virginia Show Co Cavan on 22 August, and is sponsored by the world's top selling liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, in association with its cream supplier, Glanbia Ingredients Virginia. Michael is an experienced judge at shows and herd competitions in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales including Great Yorkshire, Royal Cornwall, Royal Highland, Agri-Scot, Royal Bath & West and Royal Welsh and the Spring Show in Dublin. He manages the famous Brynhyfryd Herd of Holsteins in partnership with brother Rowland. Action gets underway at 3.30pm and the winner will receive a cheque for €2,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup from Minister of State, Shane McEntee. In addition, €650 will go to the breeder of the Reserve Champion and other awards will be presented for Highest Protein Content, Best EBI, Best Exhibitor-Bred Cow and Best Heifer in Milk. The winning cow will join the upper echelons of the Holstein Friesian breed in Ireland. Previous winners of the top title have originated from Cork, Kerry, Cavan, Meath and Donegal to name but a few. Speaking ahead of the event, which has been consistently attracting top-calibre entrants from across the four provinces as well as thousands of spectators around the main parade ring for the past 29 years, Brendan Smyth, Competition Director, said he expected to see "the cream of the dairy breed in Ireland on show for the crowds."