Cork Macra na Feirme members may have taken home the bulk of the awards at the finals of the Macra/Ornua dairy stockjudging competition but last year’s under-23 winner Edel O’Connell of Tralee IT Macra na Feirme took home the top prize.

Patrick Deasy of Ballinascarthy Macra, Carbery, finished second, while Clive Osborne of Donoughmore Macra, Muskerry, collected gold in the under-23 category, with Christopher McCarthy from Kilmeen Macra, Carbery, finishing second.

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

Speaking at the event, James Barber, chair of the Macra na Feirme agricultural affairs committee, said: “This is a fantastic competition that really helps farmers to improve their skills in assessing dairy stock. Well done to all who took part and our winners and a special word of thanks to Ornua for their continued sponsorship of this fantastic competition as well as our hosts on the day, the IHFA.’’