A COW that is a “beautiful mix of strength and dairyness” has caught the eye of New Zealand-based Illawarra judge Wendy Harker.
Ms Harker, who breeds Illawarra and Holstein-Friesians at her home at Te Awamatu, sashed mature cow entry, rising eight-year-old Springvale Daisy 29.
Daisy was previously the reserve senior champion as a four-year-old in 2014.
“I love having an eight-year-old cow that looks that good,” she said.
“It epitomises the Illawarra breed with the longevity in older cows.”
Daisy was exhibited by breeders Warren and Cheryl Doecke, Springvale, Murray Bridge, with Mr Doecke saying the Daisy cow family had performed well for them.
The Doeckes also exhibited the reserve senior champion, Springvale Silky 23.
Intermediate champion was Glenbrook Milly, from Ian and Julie Mueller, Glenbrook, Murray Bridge.
Ms Harker said the two-year-old Milly had great udder composition and pin setting.
“It’s freshly calved but will mature out to a fabulous cow,” she said.
Glenbrook Belle, exhibited by Trent and Emily Mueller, Murray Bridge.
“Well-balanced” Glenbrook Sylvie, also from Ian and Julie Mueller, was juvenile champion, while reserve well to Springvale Ruth, from the Doeckes.
Ian and Julie Mueller won the best udder class.
Ms Harker had previously judged at Mount Pleasant and said it was great to come back and see the great standard set by the region’s breeders.
“I’ve used genetics from this area myself with great success,” she said.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
