AFTER a wet 2009, cows but no rain are on offer next Saturday 17th October at the National Dairy Show. The event is completely under cover in the Green Glens Arena at Millstreet, and offers an enjoyable day out for all the family, whatever the weather.
Along with top quality Holstein Friesian and Jersey cattle bidding for the Irish Examiner supreme championship, there are trade stands, the Irish Examiner Farming Forum, and an elite sale of cattle organised by Taaffe Auctions.
Plenty there to keep dairy farmers occupied, and organisers have made a special effort to make it a family event, with flower arranging and cookery demonstrations, and a children’s’ section with bouncy castles, face painting and a pets corner….
This article appears in the Irish Examiner Thursday 15th October:
Milk producers needing a lift in this very difficult year could do worse than go along to witness the dedication and passion of the exhibitors taking part, including the young handlers who are first in action from 9.30am.
Those who are still around as the show concludes on Saturday evening have the opportunity to invest in a world-class pedigree heifer, during a sale of up to 25 heifers by Taaffe Auctions.
Many of the cattle sold at Millstreet over the years have distinguished themselves as valuable show cows — and very worthwhile investments.
As usual, the show organisers will present the National Recognition Award to a person who has made a major contribution to the breed over the years.
National Dairy Show director Tom Baker has thanked sponsors and trade stand holders for their role in making the event one of the best of its kind in Europe, which had its prestige recognised as a highlight of last year’s World Holstein Friesian Conference Show based in Killarney.
The sponsors are: ABS Ireland Ltd, AIB Bank, Alltech Nutrition, Barrett Agri/Southern Farm and Fuel Supplies, Barryroe Co-Op/NGS Engineering, Carbery Milk Products, Colin Johnson & Co, Cork Co-op Marts, Dairygold Co-Op, Dairymaster, De Laval, Eurogene AI Services, FBD Insurance, Henry Good Ltd, IFA, ICMSA, Irish Dairy Board, Irish Examiner, Jersey Cattle Society, Kerry Agribusiness, Lely Robotics, Macroom Mills, NCBC, Norbrook Laboratories, North Cork Dairy Services, O’Connnor Group Ltd, Osmonds, Pfizer Animal Health, Richard Keenan & Co, Semen World, Semex, Southern Milling, Taaffe Auctions, and Viking International.
