SA bags Vic dairy titles

The Van Rijthoven family, Mount Gambier, collected the supreme Brown Swiss gong at International Dairy week at Tatura, Victoria.

Their four-year-old cow, Grasslands Sentor Maiden 2nd, was singled-out by United States judge Molly Sloan for her "style and feminity".

Owner Jennifer Van Rijthoven said the successful cow's dam was a previous champion at the event.

"We've already had some offers on her, so we will see what happens," she said.

In the Ayrshire ring on Tuesday, the Hentschke family, Glencoe, also flew the flag for SA.

They were awarded intermediate Ayrshire champion for their entry, Enterprise Ristourn Aara.

Ben Hentschke led the cow in the ring, with United Kingdom judge Iwan Morgan describing the animal as having exceptional feet and legs.

Afterwards, the keen breeder was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the UK through Ayrshire Australia.

"That was a big surprise, I didn't expect it at all," he said.

He will now attend the Ayrshire Cattle Society of Great Britain and Ireland's annual young member gathering in April this year and visit herds throughout the UK.

Full report in Stock Journal, January 31, 2013, issue.