This year’s premier dairy event has attracted entries from most Australian states as well as the entry from the United Arab Emirates.
The cow is being hosted on the Stanhope farm of Tony and Ellie Hayes who are preparing her for the show, but it is not clear whether the wealthy owner will be coming to Tatura Park.
A total of 156 exhibitors and 700 head of cattle will take to the Tatura Park arena between January 20 and 24, with the Holstein Show attracting 246 entries.
Victoria will have the biggest contingent at the five-day event, with 102 exhibitors travelling to Tatura while NSW will have 35 representatives and South Australia another 15.
Two exhibitors will make the trip down Newell Hwy from Queensland, while one exhibitor is travelling from the United States.
International Dairy Week event organiser Robyn Barber said the event came after a tough year.
‘‘We believe the 2019 event will be a chance for the industry to come together and get away from the pressures of drought,’’ Ms Barber said.
‘‘IDW is not just about rewarding success in breeding; it is also about giving people in the industry a chance to think about things other than the day-to-day life on the farm.
‘‘Friendships are vital at this time and IDW provides a critical platform for friends to come together.’’
Although drought conditions are expected to see crowd numbers reduce slightly, Ms Barber said there was plenty to see inside the arena and out.
‘‘We have included a red and white Holstein Show, to be incorporated within the black and white Holstein Show on the Thursday. This is recognising and promoting the growth of this breed,’’ she said.
‘‘We encourage all dairy farmers to come along and join us for a day. With a range of seminars, machinery and products and cattle to view, there is something for everyone in the industry.
‘‘It’s a great opportunity to get off the farm or out of your business for the day and celebrate all things dairy.’’
This year International Dairy Week will raise money for Dolly’s Dream, a charity set up in memory of Amy Dolly Everett who took her own life at 14 years old after an extended period of bullying and cyber-bullying.
Any money raised will go towards helping to reduce the incidence of bullying, cyber-bullying and other cyber risks, and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children.
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