The launch of the 35th National Dairy Show to be held in Millstreet, Co Cork, took place on 5 September in Fota Island Resort.This year’s show is designed to attract an audience throughout the farming community and welcomes attendance from all – urban and rural, town and country – and to deliver a great family day out with something for everyone.
As in previous years, the majority of the events at the show will be under cover in a venue that offers restaurant facilities and free car parking in addition to live demonstrations of cattle and machinery and with a particular emphasis this year on farm safety and rural crime Prevention.
The artisan Food Village will showcase produce from up to 20 producers with the exciting addition this year of chef Richy Virahsawmy from RTÉ’s popular Today Show demonstrating how best to use the produce in a purpose-built kitchen at the venue.
Small animal farm
Younger visitors will be catered for with the addition of a small animal farm where both familiar and more exotic species will be on show.
Upwards of 150 trade stands will provide attendees with the opportunity to meet and discuss with suppliers of a wide range of products from the latest in milking technology to animal nutrition, veterinary products, detergents, animal dosing, AI companies and leading financial institutions to name but a few.
Other new features at this year’s show are the tractor and loader bale handling demonstrations at intervals throughout the day and, with up to six different makes of tractors taking part, they are not to be missed.
Also new to the show is an insight into modern cattle restraining crates and a live hoof-paring demo. The show will focus on the high-risk nature of farming. The National Dairy Show confirmed the Farm Relief Services (FRS) and Road Safety Authority (RSA) will be focusing on best practice in preventing farm accidents.
More than 200 of the top Holstein and Jersey cattle will compete for national honours at the show. The YMA Showmanship League will get proceedings under way on Friday 20 October followed by the under 12 handlers and under 18 handlers. First and second place in each of these two categories will compete for title of champion junior handler of the show.
The judging of the cattle classes will begin at 9am in Saturday morning, with the Irish Examiner supreme champion of 2017 being crowned that evening.
World renowned cattle judge Brian Carscadden from Canada will be presiding. Brian grew up on a dairy farm in Ontario and holds a BSc in agriculture. His career has taken him from a position as a sire analyst for United Breeders, Ontario, to his current role in the Semex Alliance.
During the day, a number of other awards will also be presented including the NDS Innovation Award. This recognises a product that is new to the Irish market during the previous 12 months .
It is open to an individual or company in one of three categories – scientific, technology and engineering. Gold and silver prizes will be awarded in each category along, with an overall winner. The Best Trade Stand Award is also always hotly contested, as is the National Recognition Award, which is presented to person or persons who are judged to have made a major contribution to the dairy industry and in particular breed promotion.