Crowds gathered early on Saturday at the Millstreet arena for the National Dairy Show. Strolling through the cow sheds, hair driers were buzzing and judging was underway with heifers in the ring being led into their positions.

With feet glossed and coats shining I followed one girl with her heifer into the ring. She was smiling ear to ear as the compliments flowed about her young yearling heifer.

There is a real feel of family at the show, from the competitors to the spectators alike. The serious business of judging took place in the afternoon when the overall winner was declared.

There is also a bustling trade fair with all sorts of agri-exhibitors. As lunch time approached the crowds were really starting to build. The thoroughfares were thronged by two o'clock and it seemed a lot of business was being done.

Positive mood

Chatting to some farmers from Mitchelstown the mood was good. ‘How could you not be smiling in weather like this’ one dairy farmer said. Many have not forgotten the tough summer in the south of Ireland and much discussion was about what way to prepare for next year.

Next week, Tommy Heffernan will have a full video report where he takes a look at what’s new in animal health from the show.

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