Diageo Ireland, in partnership with its cream supplier Tirlán, has announced the return of the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition to Virginia Show on Wednesday 19 August.
Celebrating the excellence of Ireland's Holstein Friesian dairy herds, the event is a showcase of the quality behind Baileys' signature ingredient, Irish dairy cream.
Attending its launch at the Diageo Baileys site in Dublin, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD praised the long-running competition as a living demonstration of the connection between Ireland's world-class dairy farming and one of the country's most iconic brands.
Launching the competition, Minister Heydon said: “It’s an honour to officially launch the 2026 Diageo Baileys champion cow competition. The return of this annual event is a reminder of the deep-rooted tradition and pride that underpins Ireland’s dairy sector.
"Behind every outstanding entry we see is a farm family whose knowledge has been built over generations and continues to evolve through innovation and best practice.
"Events like this celebrate the highest standards of animal care, bring communities together and reinforce the vital role agriculture plays in sustaining rural Ireland.
"As we look to the future, it is that combination of heritage and forward thinking that will ensure the continued strength and resilience of our agri-food industry, both at home and on the global stage.”
Irish credentials
Diageo Ireland corporate relations director Shane Kelly commented: “The Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition is one of the most tangible expressions of Baileys’ Irish credentials.
"The cream that goes into every bottle starts with exceptional breeding, careful herd management and a deep pride in craft - qualities that this competition celebrates.
"Diageo looks forward to welcoming Ireland’s top Holstein Friesian breeders to the Virginia Show in August and to crowning our 2026 Diageo Baileys champion.”
Senior sales manager at Tirlán Carol Power said: “We're proud, alongside Diageo, to put the spotlight on dairy breeding excellence through this unique event and, above all, the people behind it.
"The dedication of breeders and their families, many of whom have worked towards a goal of winning ‘the Baileys’ across multiple generations, is truly remarkable. On behalf of Tirlán, I wish all the entrants every success."
Reflecting Baileys’ all-island supply footprint, entry to the Diageo Baileys cow competition is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI. The closing date for entries is 12 August 2026.
Prize fund
The competition’s top prize comes with a cash reward of €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup. The breeders of the reserve champion and honourable mention will receive €1,500 and €800 respectively.
Additionally, the event will feature numerous other category prizes, including junior cows in their second lactation, with a total prize fund of €1,550. The popular best-heifer-in-milk category will also offer €1,550, with €750 awarded to the first-place winner.
Breeders are encouraged to submit their entries online or contact Patrick Gaynor at 087-289 8707.
The dairy community can also stay updated by following Baileys-Champion-Dairy-Cow on Facebook.
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