Baileys Champion Cow

The Baileys Cow is one of the highlights of the Virginia Show’s schedule, and is back for its 29th year at the Virginia Show on Wednesday August 22nd.

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The competition is tough in nature and well sought after. Cows and calved heifers from Kerry to Donegal will compete with the pick of the stock from the rest of the island of Ireland. Within “the Baileys” there will be other special awards for highest protein, best EBI, best owner-bred cow, best dry cow and best heifer.

BAILEYS CHAMPION WILL BE ‘A COW WITH CLASS’ SAYS 2012 JUDGE

The judge of the 29th Baileys Irish Champion Cow Competition will be watching out for a cow with class at the Virginia Show Co Cavan on Wednesday, 22 August. Michael George ARAgS, who farms 1400 acres in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and manages the famous Brynhyfryd Herd of Holsteins in partnership with brother Rowland, said to win the top title, the Champion must “have balance and strength.” 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 as well as the Spring Show in Dublin.

Dairy breeders still have time to enter cows who have produced 500kgs of butterfat and protein in a 305 day lactation (except for the heifer in milk awards). A 10% extra weighting is being given to the protein portion of the entry standard. The top title of ‘Baileys Champion Cow’, comes with a prize cheque for €2,000 and the Virginia Milk Products trophy. €650 will be awarded to the breeder of the ‘Reserve Champion’. Best Heifer in Milk prize fund €1,700. 1st place attracts a prize of €500, 2nd place will be awarded €300, and €200 will go to 3rd place. In addition, €100 will be awarded to entrants from 4th to 10th place inclusively. Trophies will be also be presented for Highest Protein Content, Best EBI and Best Exhibitor-Bred Cow.

For an entry form contact Brendan Smyth, Competition Director on ++ 353 (0)87 2560952 or email bsmyth@glanbia.ie for further information