About 145 heifers and in-milk cows made the trip to Bendigo on June 30 and July 1 for the annual Holstein show.
Judge Brian Leslie was blown away by the quality of animals on show.
“I was impressed with the line-up of heifers and the in-milk cows have been exceptional — it’s a great show and many of the cows in these classes would make champion at any show I have judged,” he said.
Mr Leslie has been judging cows since he was 17, when his father had to drive him to the shows.
“The evolution of the dairy breed over that time has resulted in cows with such good udders, producing so much milk, I would have never dreamt it.”
For organiser Clare Modra, COVID-19 did create a few headaches with some exhibitors pulling out and sponsors unable to attend — but all up she said it was just great to get the show in.
“Our Wednesday with the heifer classes was a little bit quieter than normal but overall, the quality of cows was just outstanding across both days,” Mrs Modra said.
The Gardiner family from Avonlea Holsteins couldn’t have had a better show taking out — among other wins — Champion Senior Cow and Premier Breeder and Exhibitor across their team of 11 milkers and three dry heifers.
John Gardiner said it was a great show and the timing couldn’t have been better, considering they are selling the milking herd in September.
“The Winter Fair was a great result for us. A lot of hard work goes into getting the cows ready and if you put the hard work in, often you are rewarded,” Mr Gardiner said.
He described Champion Senior Cow, Murribrook Reginald Victory — which is owned in partnership with Gorbro Holsteins at Cohuna — as a tremendously well balanced cow with the perfect pedigree.
“She is so structurally sound. She has the potential to breed with many different bulls and I think her potential will only improve over the coming years.”
Brad and Jess Gavenlock from Cherrylock Cattle Co were happy with Bluechip EV Shesaawesome Apple ET’s win, taking out Red Senior Champion.
Mr Gavenlock said her progeny also received Junior Champion and Honourable Mention in the heifer show and Honourable Mention in the intermediate.
“She is such a great cow to work with, with great fertility and should calve again in October,” he said.
Mr Gavenlock said the quality of cattle on show across all classes of the fair was outstanding.
“I was happy we got the chance to show because so much work goes into getting the cows ready.
“The heifer red show was particularly competitive this year and it would be great to see a few more senior cows next year.”
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