Preparations are just about complete for Wednesday as the Virginia Show takes place.

With prize money of €50,000 in total at the show for various classes, the highlight is this year’s Diageo Baileys Irish champion cow competition.

Breeders from all over the country will be competing to win Ireland’s top pedigree dairy contest.

The event, which is sponsored by Diageo, Baliey and Glanbia, has a top prize of €10,000 for the winner.

The competition rewards breeders who combine good conformation in their animals with top milk production capability. Organisers of the 2017 Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow competition have announced that this year’s judge will be Paul Miller from Evesham in Worcestershire.

The Liffey Meats Champion Beef Bullock has also been highlighted as a standout competition.

Dairy conference

In addition, a dairy conference will take place at 10.30am at the show. Speakers include Donal Patton from Teagasc and Ballyhaise College, Peter Farrell from Co Meath and Aaron Forde, chief executive of Aurivo.

Last year, the 75th anniversary show was headlined by Phil Hogan.

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