THE Holstein exhibit was one of the biggest breeds at the Royal Sydney Easter Show last week, with 19 breeders representing Victoria and NSW to a high standard, with this years best dairy cattle on show.
Two of the successful breeders then went on to win big in the interbreed judging, Murribrook Holsteins took out interbreed intermediate champion with Murribrook Atwood Ivy- ET and the Walsh family won interbreed dairy champion with Avonlea Fever Suzette- ET for the second year in a row - both breeders were successful in a number of classes in the Holstein exhibit prior to their championships.
Judge, South Australian Holstein and Jersey dairy farmer, Lisa Thompson, said the pick for junior champion was a very close call because of the quality exhibits.
Junior champion female went to Murribrook Doorman Cassie- ET from Murribrook Holsteins, Moss Vale and reserve champion was won by Arralik Atwood Candy 2-ET exhibited by Cameron Yarnold, Wingham, with an Honorable mention to Strongbark Laramie Candy -ET exhibited by Strongbark, Albion Park.
The decision between both champion and reserve champion was a very close placing, the heifer I have made junior champion is the more correct heifer of the two, she has that big square frame and is deeper ribbed, compared to my choice of reserve, Mrs Thompson said.
Intermediate champion Murribrook Atwood Ivy- ET came before Murribrook Atwood Vienna- ET with both cows averaging about 50 litres of milk per-day.
Murribrook Atwood Ivy- ET earlier won best intermediate udder as Mrs Thomspon said she had a more textured udder compared to the other entrants.
Murribrook Holsteins exhibitor Sarah Potter said they are very happy with the performance of their winning cows throughout the intermediate classes.
Senior female champion went to Avonea Fever Suzette- ET who then went on to win interbreed dairy champion, owned by the Walsh family Wild Jasper Jaspers Brush.
She is an outstanding female with outstanding features throughout, Mrs Thompson said.
Reserve champion female and previous senior udder winner was Strongbark Windbrook Candy, Strongbark, Albion Park. Currently producing 50 litres of milk per day the cow housed a defined and superior udder that pushed her to the top. The winning cow is one you would admire for a side profile, through her front end she is a lot cleaner but taking nothing away from my reserve cow who is a cow with a lot of width about her hind quarters, Mrs Thompson said.