Holstein Show boasts £4,000 prize fund

The show commences at 6.30pm and judging is in the capable hands of Welshman Iwan Morgan from the noted Erie Herd based at Nantybwla in Carmarthenshire.

The schedule includes 10 classes for maiden heifers, in-calf heifers, dry cows, in-milk heifers and in-milk cows. There is also a production class for cows which have produced a minimum lifetime yield of 50,000kgs.

The junior championship is sponsored by McLarnon Feeds, while the intermediate championship is supported by Genus ABS. The best exhibitor-bred animal in each class (1 to 10) will receive a £25 cash award, and the exhibitor-bred champion will win £150, with £100 for the reserve. The exhibitor-bred championship is sponsored by Lacpatrick.

The supreme championship line-up boasts a total prize fund of £600, and is generously sponsored by Dairymaster agents, Cookstown Dairy Services who have bases in Ardee, County Louth, and Ballymoney, County Antrim.

New to this year’s show is a red and white championship sponsored by Gortavoy Feeds. The highest placed red and white animal in each class (1-10) will receive £25 prize money. In addition the champion will secure a £100 cash award, with £75 for the reserve champion and £50 for the honourable mention award winner.

Younger members will also have an opportunity to showcase their showmanship skills. There are two showmanship classes, under 14, and 15 years and over, sponsored by Irwin Feeds. Competitor ages will be taken at 1st January 2016, and entry is free. The total prize fund consists of over £4,000.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response received from our sponsors,” explained Holstein NI chairman Stuart Smith. “We are also delighted to welcome a number of new sponsors this year.”

Class sponsors of the Irish National Holstein Show include: Cogent, Western Farm Enterprises, AB Vista, World Wide Sires, Bank of Ireland, Dynamis Homeopathic Medicine, FarmGate Nutrition, SC Feeds, Trioliet, Irwin Farm Supplies/Ecolab.

Thompsons has confirmed its ongoing support of the premier breeder and premier exhibitor awards.

Entry forms and schedules can be downloaded from the club’s website: www.holstein-ni.co.uk. Alternatively, contact club secretary John Martin on mobile: 07711 041128; or Julie Wallace on mobile: 07845 919597.

The entry fee is £15 per animal, and completed entry forms must be returned on or before Friday, 12th February 2016.

Stuart Smith continued: “This is a major event in the club’s calendar for 2016. Last year’s show was a resounding success, attracting more than 80 entries and almost 300 spectators. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage new and experienced exhibitors to support the Irish National Holstein Show, and thank our sponsors, without whom the event would not be possible.”