The build-up to International Dairy Week 2020 had it all and yet fires, drought and tough conditions still weren't enough to deter a determined group of exhibitors from presenting their best cattle to the world.
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For the Templeton family from Tarwin, in Gippsland, the purchase of Avonlea Reginald Jacobina last year proved to be a good one, with the six-year-old taking out Champion Senior Holstein and Grand Champion for 2020.
The family was ecstatic with the win, along with Holstein judge Brad Walker who was impressed by the ‘dairy-ness’ of the cow.
Tongala's Frank Walsh and Brad and Jess Gavenlock from Cherry Lock Cattle Co, Tallygaroopna won Senior Champion Jersey Cow and Reserve Grand Champion Interbreed with Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7.
Her pedigree can be traced back by Mr Walsh to 1908.
“Dawn has won her class every year she has competed and it is just so great to see her perform so well,” Mr Walsh said.
When Rochester's Trevor and Julie Campbell sold their dairy herd last year they kept only two milkers; lucky one of them was Jimann Tequila Maree.
The three-year-old was hard to beat in the Jersey ring, taking out Intermediate Champion Jersey Cow along with Interbreed Intermediate Reserve Champion.
“Tequila Maree is the culmination of 53 years of breeding and I can remember buying the foundation cow when I was just 16 years old,” Mr Campbell said.
The Campbells were delighted with the win and described it as a great way to finish their dairy career.
Leitchville's Steve and Deanne Hore had a great show, with Elmar Solomon Jessica 5-ET crowned Holstein Intermediate Champion and Interbreed Intermediate Champion.
The Hores were very proud of how she looked and how she walked the ring.
“It was such an even show this year and to get a place, yet alone a ribbon in such a strong group of classes is amazing — the quality of cattle this year really were a credit to all the exhibitors,” Mrs Hore said.
A highlight of the show was the fundraising efforts by the IDW community for the Salway Family and the Bushfire Appeal, which saw $65,000 donated from the sale of a cow from the herd of Australian Fresh Milk Holdings — the cow made $50,000 while World Wide Sires added an additional $15,000.
The crowd was also boosted by the attendance of the worldwide Ayrshire community, who stopped in at the show as part of the breed's world conference.
Ayrshire breeder Michael Howie from Northumberland was impressed by the quality of cattle he saw across all the breeds.
“It has been a fabulous experience and a great few days spent at IDW,” Mr Howie said.
