This year, the dairy section at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is set to offer an impressive prize fund of €25,000 across 45 classes.

With a record number of entries, a generous prize fund and a selection of four dairy breeds, this year’s dairy section promises to be the best yet.

Commenting on the dairy classes, head of the dairy section, Martina Neville, said: “We are proud to showcase the excellence and innovation within Ireland’s dairy industry, and we invite everyone to join us for a celebration of farming, competition, and community.”

Holstein Friesian championship

The Holstein Friesian section is extremely competitive, attracting large numbers from across the country to battle it out for a number of National Livestock Show titles.

In 2025, the Jones family from Co Wexford won the coveted supreme title with their famed cow, Hallow Octain Twizzle. Key attractions this year include the junior and senior Holstein championships as well as the €2,500 National Holstein heifer-in-milk and the €2,800 FBD National Livestock Show senior cow in-milk.

There will also be two exciting classes for the highest EBI animal in the Holstein Friesian section.

Young handlers will also take centre-stage in the Holstein Friesian ring. In partnership with the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), the young showmanship challenge rewards winners with points from various shows throughout the summer, including Tullamore, culminating in the final at the National Dairy Show in Millstreet in October.

Local participation

In an effort to celebrate local breeders, there will be six confined classes for Laois, Offaly and Westmeath breeders. These classes allow local breeders the opportunity to showcase their stock on a national platform.

The winners of these confined classes will be eligible to compete in the equivalent national classes, which will run consecutively.

The dairy shorthorn section continues to be a highlight of the show, with 12 classes, culminating with the dairy Shorthorn champion.

For just the second time, the Fleckvieh breed will exhibit at the show, having done so for the first time in 2025.

Originating from Austria and Germany, the Fleckvieh breed is a dual-purpose animal known for its impressive milk yields and solids, while also producing good beef carcases.

Two new handling classes for young people exhibiting Fleckvieh cattle have also been added this year.

The Jersey section will once again feature a range of eight competitive classes, concluding with the overall Jersey championship. In 2025, the Hynes family from Co Cork claimed the overall title with Rathard Barcelona Kasey.