National Dairy Show Results 2024

The National Dairy Show took place on the 13th and 14th of October in the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork. The renowned two-day annual event, ran by the committee in conjunction with the IHFA and members of the Cork Holstein Friesian was host to a varied programme of events, from cattle classes, ATV machinery demos to the popular innovation awards. 

The cattle judge for the show was Ashley Fleming (Potterswalls Herd). Mr. Fleming oversaw the national herds competition in previous years and was a judge in Millstreet in 2015. He noted that in that time, the standard has only improved. The Showmanship League judge was Alison Lawrie, who is well versed in the Scottish show ring and HYB. 

A Show to Remember

The 14th of October was a day to remember for Clonakilty locals the Helen family – Robert, Sylvia, Jason and Laura of Eedy Holsteins – who won AXA Supreme Champion with Eedy Doorman Fame. She clearly caught the attention of judge Ashley Fleming winning her four-year-old cow class before going on to win champion cow of the show, and she also took home the Southern Milling sponsored Best Udder and Exhibitor-Bred Champion awards. 

She is descended from Moralta Inspiration Fame, who was crowned the NDS Supreme Champion three times in the 1990s for Peter Kingston, Cradenhill Herd, and also was the only cow in Ireland to receive the highest classification score of EX97. Eedy Doorman Fame is sired by Val-Bisson Doorman and her dam is Clonpaddin Bk Fame ET. The Helen’s saw further success at this years show with Eedy Damion Acclaim taking the red rosette in a strong mature cow class and was Honourable Mention of the show. 

It was another exceptional weekend in Milstreet for the Jones’, with Philip and Linda Jones of Hallow Holsteins taking home the Reserve Champion with Hallow Diamondback Twizzle 3. Her dam is Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 and her sire is Mr D Apple Diamondback. Hallow Holsteins success extended to Alligator Carmen who won Junior Champion. Her mother Atwood Carmen took the red rosette in the production cow class and placed second in the mature cow class. In addition they were awarded Premier Exhibitor and Premier Breeder of the 2023 show. Philip’s brother Gary & wife Izzy took first place with Jones Lambda Twizzle winning the Holstein Intermediate Championship. 

Top handling accolades went to Philip’s son Will, winning judge Alison Lawrie’s champion handler of the show, with reserve going to Manus Murphy, and Gearoid Long taking Honourable Mention. The Highest EBI Holstein went to Kildarby Perseus Blanche with an EBI of €344, owned and bred by Owen Cleary of the Kildarby prefix. Judge Ashleigh Fleming was blown away by the quality of animals on display “To be asked back here twice is a pure privilege,” he said. “The standard of the cows in milk down here has been phenomenal. There were six mature cows, and every one of them was a really good individual cow.”

Club stalwart recognised

The National Recognition Award went to Pat Hayes, Killavarrig Herd. Pat always had a pivotal role in the National Dairy Show, and the Cork Holstein Friesian Club volunteering for club activities and providing leadership, direction, and support to members young and old. Pat has served as CHFBC President and NDS treasurer. His dedication to both has not gone unnoticed,always being so generous with his time and expertise.

Top-Notch Trade Stand Display

There was an excellent collection of trade stands in attendance, with over 150 stands offering a wide array of goods and services filling the Green Glens over the two days. IHFA took charge of the trade stands this year and CE Laurence Feeney was delighted with the agribusinesses that attended. “Demand for trade stand space this year was phenomenol and the varity of products on offer to visitors is something we are very proud of. Its a testament to the show that this is the pinnacle event to do business at every year”. 

Innovation Awards

The overall winner of this year’s Innovation Awards was Ozolea with their product “Ozolea Mast”. Based in Italys Ozolea took the top prize following their win in the science section of the awards. Moonsyst took home gold in the Technology section followed by True North Technologies, with Nesty winning the Engineering Section and Connacht Agri taking the silver award. DLF seeds claimed the gold in the sustainability section, and silver went to Grassland Agro. “Spread It” won best start-up. True North Technologies had further success in that they won best trade stand, the technology company demonstrated to show attendees the benefits of reducing labour costs and improving animal welfare with its E-Gate Grazing Management System.

YMA A Handler aged 12 yrs and under on 1st Jan ‘23 exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey Calf Sponsored by FBD Insurance (10)

YMA B Handler aged 13 – 16 years on 1st Jan ‘23 exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey Calf Sponsored by FBD Insurance (6)

YMA C Handler aged 17 – 26 years on 1st Jan ‘23 exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey Calf Sponsored by FBD Insurance (4)