Will Northern Irish Holstein Friesian breeders take the cup home for a third time at 2024 Diageo Baileys Cow?

The prestigious Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow is now open for entries from Northern Irish Holstein Friesian dairy breeders. Given the recent run of success by Holstein NI entrants, it won’t be long to find out if it will be ‘three in a row’ for Northern Ireland.

Should a Northern Irish cow catch the eye of the judge on August 21, its owner will be following in the footsteps of 2022 winners Sam & John McCormick of Co Down, with their cow Hilltara Undenied Apple, and Clive & Joel Richardson of Co. Armagh in 2023, with Lumville M Danoise.

A cheque for 3,000 euros and the Virginia Milk Products Cup would then be travelling northwards for a third time. But perhaps more importantly, the kudos of claiming the top title of Diageo Baileys Champion will be associated with their herd for ever more.

Excitement builds for finale

Following the launch of the competition in Dublin by Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charles McConalogue TD, the 2024 finale is shaping up to be a truly exciting event.

Sponsors Diageo and Tirlán are looking forward to welcoming breeders, as well as the wider farming community as spectators to what promises to be a fantastic finale.

Diageo is a major purchaser of raw ingredients produced on farms across Ireland. Its relationship with its cream supplier and the competition has long-standing links back to Tirlán’s site in Virginia. The Virginia Show is therefore a fitting location for the competition finale.

The prestige of this event is evident in its deep-rooted connections with farm families, who have been working together months in advance and across generational divides towards a common goal of preparing a would-be winner in this top event in the pedigree dairy livestock calendar.

A unique experience

Clandeboye Estate Manager Mark Logan, who was last year’s judge and a previous competition entrant, reflects on the special Virginia Show welcome he received: “Whilst BVD regulations make travelling South more complicated with planning, it is possible and I would encourage local breeders to consider supporting this amazing event which is without doubt the highlight of the summer show season.”

He added: “When I was invited to judge last year, I knew it was going to be a great experience but the reality went way beyond my expectations. It is a rare opportunity to judge classes with the top Holstein Friesian cows from every corner of the Island of Ireland.”

“To have 24 milking cows parading around the ring is nowadays unique to ‘The Baileys’. The milking heifer class made a great start to the spectacle, but it was one great cow after the other as the senior cow class entered the ring and I had to take a step back and realise just what a task I had in front of me.”

The sheer quality of the cows, the amazing atmosphere created by the large crowd around the massive outdoor arena and the enthusiasm of the breeders and fitters who produced such an exceptional display made it a day I will treasure for the rest of my life.

2023 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow Judge, Mark Logan

Submit your entry now

Breeders are encouraged to submit their entries online at https://www.virginiashow.com/baileys-cow or contact Patrick Gaynor at 087-2898707.

Closing date for entries is August 12, 2024.

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