Baileys judge seeking a balanced cow
Production potential will be the top priority for the judge picking this year’s Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow. Time is almost up for Holstein Friesian breeders in County Cavan to enter one of Ireland’s most prestigious dairy livestock events. The closing date for entries to the Champion Dairy Cow competition is today, Wednesday, August 13 just a week ahead of the region’s biggest and best agricultural event - the Virginia Show.
Sponsored by Diageo Ireland – producers of Baileys Irish Cream – in partnership with Tirlán, the farmer-owned co-operative that supplies the cream for Baileys, the competition features a €13,000 prize fund and celebrates excellence in dairy breeding on the island of Ireland.
This year’s judge is a highly respected Holstein expert from Piedmont in northern Italy. Giuseppe Beltramino runs the renowned Bel Holstein herd. With a long track record in showing and judging, Giuseppe has officiated at top-level competitions across Europe and further afield.
“When judging dairy cows, my first priority is production potential,” said Giuseppe.
“The winning Diageo Baileys Champion Cow will be balanced and have the overall presence that marks a great cow.”
Whoever owns the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow Mr Beltramino selects will take home a cheque for €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup, whilst the Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention will receive €1,500 and €800 respectively. Other popular categories include Junior Cow, Best Heifer-in-Milk, and Best EBI, with individual category prize funds of €1,550. But perhaps more important than the financial reward is the status the title bestows on the winning breeder’s herd.
The competition is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI, reflecting Baileys’ all-island supply base.