It was a hot competition in the Brown Swiss ring at the Sydney Royal Show on Monday, with steward Michael Brennan, Tambaroo, taking off his jacket while still in the ring. It was the first time in 30 years that the unusual April weather dictated such action.
Among the breeders there was an equivalent amount of perspiration as judge, Neville Wilkie, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, considered the talent.
In the end Benleigh Goldwyn Peggy-IMP-ET, exhibited by the Wake family, Singleton, was awarded senior champion Brown Swiss.
The rising six year old from Blessing Starbuck Peggy by Bo Joy Agenda Goldwyn was also awarded best senior udder, described by the judge as “perfect” with the highest total kilograms butterfat and protein during her latest lactation of any cow in her class.
Reserve senior champion ribbon was awarded to four-year-old Blissful Goldwyn Rose, exhibited by Reg Cochrane,”Kangawarra”, Pyree.
This cow, from Kevindale Zeus Rosina-ET by Bo Joy Agenda Goldwyn, was also awarded champion production ribbon for her class, female over four years and not over five.
Honorable mention went to another of a Reg Cochrane’s cows, Kevindale Zeus Rosina-ET from Hillside Valiant Rosina by Red Brae Prelude Zeus-M.
This eight year old cow was remarkable for the fact that she had not calved since winning her class at last year’s Sydney Royal yet remained in milk and impressed the judge with her udder condition and dairy strength.
Junior champion female went to rising two-year-old Blissful Blooming Rusty-ET also exhibited by Reg Cochrane.
Reserve junior went to 14-month-old Sweet Norwin Alison exhibited by Cochrane and Jacasha Holsteins, Nowra.
Honorable mention went to nine-month-old Benleigh Tipster Stephanie exhibited by the Wake family.
Intermediate champion female was awarded to the Wake family’s Benleigh Blooming Allison from Pedrini Top Ti Tun Allison by Scherma Glenn Blooming.
Reserve intermediate went to Benleigh Blooming Sasha and honorable mention to Benleigh Blooming Burley, both by Scherma Glenn Blooming.
Dam’s progeny class was easily won by Reg Cochrane with a group, led by lengthy lactator, Kevindale Zeus Rosina, described by judge Mr Wilkie as “outstanding”.