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The National Dairy Show, which is run by members of the Cork Holstein Friesian Association in conjunction with the Irish Holstein Friesian Association, is set to host its 35th annual show this Saturday 21 October in the Green Glens arena, Millstreet, CoCork.
This year, former Ireland rugby international Mike Ross will perform the honours when he officially opens the show, which promises something for everyone in the farming community.
Mike, the son of Frank and Patti Ross, is a graduate of dairy farming, having grown up on the home farm near Ballyhooly in north Cork where he still inspects the progress of the Convamore Herd when he gets a chance on his visits home.
Mike’s early rugby career started with Fermoy underage, the club that his father Frank played for with distinction for many years.
From there, he progressed through the UCC ranks before joining Cork Con and then on to a professional contract in England with Harlequins until 2009 when he returned to Leinster, where he played for seven very successful seasons.
After 61 caps and two Six Nation Championships, Mike retried from professional rugby in 2017, where he has certainly earned the title as one of the greatest scrummagers that Ireland has ever produced.
Mike has also generously signed one of the new Irish jerseys, which only officially go on sale later this year, and together with a signed rugby ball and a hamper of goods, all will be up for grabs as door prizes on the day of the show.
Along with 200 of the top Holstein and Jersey cattle competing for national honours, there will be many features at the show this year, including over 150 trade stands with a wide range of products from the latest in milking technology to animal nutrition, veterinary products, AI companies and much more.
Also returning to the show is the artisan food village, which will showcase local producers, with a chef demonstrating how best to use their produce in exciting recipes on the day.
There will be many new features also debuting at this year’s show, including a small animal farm, firsthand information and advice on farm safety and rural crime prevention and, with lameness in cattle a constant headache for farmers, you will also be able to find out more about the latest equipment and treatment techniques that will be demonstrated live at the show.
For the first time at the show, six of the leading tractor manufacturers will be participating in a live tractor and loader bale-handling demonstration, where the latest spec and technology in equipment will be displayed.
You will have an opportunity to discuss any specific needs you may have with experienced and knowledgeable personnel on the day too.
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