NSW Jerseys on top

The Boyd family, who run Brunchilli Jerseys, flew the flag for NSW at the event, held in Tatura,Victoria last week, and nabbed grand champion Jersey cow with their eight year-old, Brunchilli Sambo Priscilla.

Lyn and Maurice Boyd, along with their son and daughter-in-law, David and Brook, said Priscilla was "something special".

The cow has had six calves and was praised by US judge Michael Heath for its udder and dairyness.

"She's a beautiful cow," he said.

Although Priscilla had not been herd tested recently, she produced 8000 litres last season.

The Boyds also took home the premier breeder award, a title they've now won 12 times, as well as junior champion heifer with their young entry, Brunchilli Reagan Rose.

They prepared a team of 12 cattle for the event, and have been breeding Jerseys since 1981.

"I'm on top of the world," Mrs Boyd said.

To make matters even better, her best friend Janette Falls, also of Finley, won reserve senior champion cow with her entry, Pasadena Comerica Olive.

The win was bitter-sweet for Ms Falls, who recently sold her dairy farm.

And while the Boyd's cow competed in the line-up for the Australian grand champion award, the Jersey failed to beat a Tasmanian Holstein cow, Fairvale Morty Lady 51, for the top spot.

It was the second time the cow - which was shown by the Thompson family of Bracknell - had won the interbreed competition.

Other NSW winners included Tod Biffin, Cawdor, who secured grand champion Ayrshire with his cow, Woodburn Park Delilah.

At the IDW stud cattle sales, prices failed to reach the highs of last year, but strong averages were paid across each auction.

A top price of $12,000 was posted last Wednesday at the Semex Spectacular Sale, which saw 30 lots average $6823.