FIRST-TIME dairy judge Nick Flanagan, Woodlawn Holsteins, Finley, NSW, was impressed by the high quality on show at the recent Holstein Australia All Breeds Calf Day at Murray Bridge.
Mr Flanagan said he went into the judging with high expectations.
"I expected the quality to be really good, because there's a lot of prominent breeders in this area, and the day certainly delivered," he said.
Width, strength and openness were some of the attributes he was looking for.
"Those three qualities are important as far as modern herds go," he said.
"Our herds are getting bigger so the cows need these traits to survive."
The senior champion heifer - Athol Farm Axe Min Candy - was a Holstein from Brian and Maria Haebich's Athol Farm property at Cooke Plains.
"She's a really long, stylish heifer," Mr Flanagan said.
"She looks like a heifer that's ready to be mated.''
Reserve senior champion was Billabong Finalcut Karley from Billabong Holsteins stud at Woods Point.
Junior champion was Grantley Alexander Kit OC, Grantley Holsteins, Paris Creek.
Mr Flanagan described the junior champion as a "very stylish, long-bodied heifer and very correct through the feet and legs".
Reserve junior champion Golden Edge Tequila Poppy ET was bred by Jackie and Lorraine Haebich, Golden Edge Jerseys, Yankalilla.
Lucy Newman, Prospect Hill, won the junior champion handler award, and reserve champion was Heath Treloar, Victor Harbor.
Senior champion handler was Bridget Treloar, Waitpinga, and reserve champion was Courtney Afford, Woods Point.
Paula Thompson
Stock Journal's markets editor.
Stock Journal's markets editor.
