Baileys’ judge looking for a balanced cow

THE Diageo Baileys Champion Cow judge has said he will be looking for ‘a balanced cow with strength’ on August 24 when the competition finale takes place at the Virginia Show.

In his first role of this kind at a show held in the Republic of Ireland, David Booth, of Feizor Holsteins in North Yorkshire, said: “I am really looking forward to the day. This competition is renowned for its exceptional quality, so it is an immense privilege for me to perform the role of judge.”

David is a fourth-generation farmer and has judged at a large number of shows throughout the UK, including the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show in 2014, Balmoral Show in 2017 and the Royal Welsh Show in 2018. The family farm is home to 1,000 breeding sheep and 120 Holsteins. His highly acclaimed herd was awarded Master Breeder status in 2017.

EU Commissioner Mairead McGu-iness has been confirmed as guest of honour at the event. Together with Chairman of Glanbia Ireland John Murphy and Robert Murphy, Head of Baileys Operations on the island of Ireland, they will present the cheque for €2,500 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup to the breeder of the 2022 Diageo Baileys Champion.

Robert Murphy said: “We are very proud of the brand’s heritage, its connection back to family-owned farms on the island of Ireland and the role of our dairy industry in the world’s most-loved liqueur.

“Every year, roughly 200 mil-lion litres of fresh local milk, from 41,000 cows, is processed in Virginia by our cream supply partner Glanbia Ireland to produce the cream used in the production of

Baileys.

“We are therefore delighted to be back at the Virginia Show to celebrate this col-laboration.”

The top prize is followed by €1,000 and €500 for Reserve Champion and Hon-ourable Mention re-spectively.

The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category carries a fund of €1,700 with first place worth €500. The Best Junior Cow category has prizes worth €750 in total.

Now recognised as a measure that helps breed a more profitable dairy cow and lower GHG emissions, a special award for Best Economic Breeding Index recognises efficiency and sustainability. An award for Best Protein emphasises the most profitable factors for both breeding dairy herd replacements and milk production. Entries close on August 12 and judging commences at 3.15pm on August 24.