Co Monaghan pedigree Holstein breeder David Boyd is entering his champion cow into the Baileys competition at this year’s Virginia Show on 24 August.

His cow has produced 60,000l of milk at 3.57% protein in five lactations and calved her fifth calf at six years and four months of age.

“She’s the type of cow that every farmer would dream of owning,” David said. “It takes a great cow to get to the Baileys.”

He is looking forward to the final moment when the judge will tap the champion forward: “You could hear a pen drop around the ring,” he said.

Fitter Brendan Greenan has already started clipping the cow and he shares some of his tips for a perfectly turned out cow on showing day.

Brendan Smith, the competition’s director, warned that “only the top cows in the country will enter the competition” to share the €10,000 prize money offered by sponsor Diageo, with €2,500 for the champion alone.

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Looking forward to the Baileys All-Ireland