Macra’s Irish Board Dairy Stockjudging national final took place at the Irish Holstein Friesian Association Open Day in Cloonboygher, Newtowngore, Co Leitrim on 9 June.

First prize in the senior and Under-23 competition were won by two cork men; senior winner John O’Sullivan, Whitechurch Macra, Seandun, Cork, and under-23 winner Diarmuid O’Connell, Donoughmore Macra, Muskerry, Cork. The two overall winners have won a place on the annual Macra prize winners’ trip in autumn. This year’s winners, in both events, are from the same clubs as last year’s winners.

Runner-up in the senior event was Eamon Begley, Cappoquin Macra, Waterford. Diarmuid’s sister, Edel O’Connell, IT Tralee Macra, Kerry was runner-up of the Under-23 event.

The dairy stockjudging competition is an academic test, followed by the score-marking in order of merit of a pen of heifers and a pen of cows. Competitors are interviewed on their overall grading of the animals and must answer questions on the technical aspects of dairy farming.

Speaking at the event, Macra na Feirme National President Kieran O’Dowd said, “The IDB Dairy Stockjudging competition is a great way for members to learn to assess animals and improve their skills for the buying and selling livestock. Well done to all our participants, especially the members and a special word of thanks to sponsors, the Irish Dairy Board.”