Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier Glanbia Ireland are inviting the county’s Holstein Friesian breeders to prepare for the return of the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow at this year’s Virginia Show, Co. Cavan on August 24th. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon officially launched the competition at Diageo Baileys in Dublin.
Welcoming its return after a two-year absence due to the pandemic, Minister Heydon said: “This competition helps shine a light on Ireland’s reputation as a world leader in grass-fed dairy production. It is an endorsement of the ever-improving breeding practices undertaken by farmers across the country that go hand in hand with sustainable milk production.
“The global success of Baileys, underpinned by the long-standing partnership between the competition sponsors, Diageo Ireland and Glanbia Ireland, is an outstanding example of the industry collaboration that has been a hallmark of our export orientated agri-food sector”.
Entrants will be competing for a share of a €10,000 prize pot. The top place of Overall Champion attracts a €2,500 prize; followed by €1,000 and €500 for Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention respectively. Other awards will be presented on the day across several categories including Junior Cows in their second lactation. The Best Junior Cow category has prizes worth €750 in total. The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category carries a fund of €1,700 with first place worth €500.
Interested breeders should contact Brendan Smyth on 087-2560952.
