2012 – Innovation and Celebration
Whether it is model farm displays or the latest innovations in dairy farming, a day at the Green Glens Arena on Saturday the 20th of October 2012 seems to have something for everyone. A day of fun and learning is a definite for all ages. The National Dairy Show will be held at the Millstreet venue for its 30th year and this year promises to be extra special.
The show is organised by a voluntary committee of active farmers with the interest of the dairy sector at their heart. Enniskeane dairy farmer, Seamus Crowley, takes the role of Show Director this year and he has put together a jam packed programme for the event.
The Pfizer Animal Health Farming Forum, held in the Coach Room at the venue, will focus on winter feeding and looking towards the future for milk production. The forum, which starts at noon, is titled ‘Feeding Beyond the Barriers’ and has an esteemed line up of speakers. It will be chaired by Teddy Cashman, IFA Chairman of the Winter Milk Suppliers. The panel include Dr. Karina Pierce, Doctor of Animal Nutrition and Dairy Production UCD, Dr Joe Patten M Agr, Johnstown Castle Teagasc and Pat McCormack, Deputy President of the ICMSA. Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, will officially open the show at 1.20pm.
New to the 2012 show is the first ever National Dairy Innovation Award which will reward a new product or service, that has been launched in the past 12 months, which revolutionised some aspect of dairy farming. The award has attracted major interest from a large number of companies who trade in this sector. This will bring added interest to the large display of trade stands on the day.
The second ever National RC Model Tractor and Trailer Reversing Championship will be held at the show. The competition will test the driving skills of the young enthusiasts at the art of reversing radio control 1:32 scale tractors. On the day there will be competitions for under 10s, under 13s and for the first time, under 16s. The competition sponsors Mad for Models and Collectors Toys, Innishannon will be in attendance as well as many farm model displays.
The best Holstein Friesian and Jersey dairy cattle will be competing for national honours on the day. The highlight of the show ring will be the crowning of the 2012 Irish Examiner Supreme Champion. Canadian judge, Carl Phoenix, will place the classes from 8.30am and a record prize fund of €30,000 will be distributed on the day.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, a special ceremony will honour all the previous champions of the show. The local stalwart of show, Tim Kiely of Ballydaly, will make these presentations. An after show celebration around the show ring will incorporate the best of Irish dairy produce. This will add to the great social aspect of this year’s event.
Many family side shows will also add to the day from artisan producers to bouncing castles. This indoor event has grown and entertained families for 30 years. This year’s show will be bigger and better than ever.
—–
Examiner.ie: Millstreet gears up for 30th dairy extravaganza
Examiner.ie: Record Prize Fund for Dairy Show
Examiner.ie: The 30th National Dairy Show
