A voluntary group, affiliated to the Cork Holstein Friesian Club, is putting the final preparations in place for the 33rd National Dairy Show scheduled for 17 October at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet. This is one of the final showing events for Holstein and Jersey breeders around the country and in terms of prestige, would be right up there with the National Livestock Show at Tullamore, the Emerald Expo and the Baileys Championship.

The show has gained much momentum over the years, especially in terms of expansion – in particular among trade stands. This year’s show will host no less than 120 trade stand exhibits, all relevant to the dairy sector.

The judge this year is Co Cork native Harold Sweetnam. Harold emigrated, along with his family, to Canada 15 years ago and established the Sweetridge pedigree herd. Organisers are looking forward to welcoming Harold back to Cork to judge the 2015 National Dairy Show.

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The national innovative award will definitely appeal to those who have launched a new product or service in the past 12 months, while the lifetime achievement award will be presented to a nominated person who has made a significant contribution to the dairy industry.

In a new venture this year, there will be live demonstration and discussion on herd health, hoof trimming and automotive bedding trials.

Charles Gallagher, CEO of IHFA, will officially open the show at 1pm. Established in 1965, this is a special year for the IHFA, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The final of the Young Members (YMA) Showmanship League will be staged on the Friday evening at 6pm. Participants for this will already have qualified based on their success at various shows throughout the country this year.

Then on Saturday morning, kicking off at 9am, the young handlers’ classes begins, which will be followed by 20 Holstein and Jersey classes. Up to 200 cattle will compete for the ultimate title – the 2015 National Dairy Show champion. Apart from cattle and trade stands, organisers are eager to make it a family day out, so there will be model farm displays and bouncy castles to entertain the little ones.

The total prize fund is €30,000.

The judge

Harold Sweetnam from the Sweetridge pedigree herd in Manitoba, Canada, will be charged with judging the 2015 National Dairy Show.

Originally from Bandon, Co Cork, Harold emigrated with his wife, Miriam, and their two children, Mark and Tara, to Canada back in 2000.

There, they established the Sweetridge pedigree herd, comprising 300 Holstein and Jersey cows farmed on 600 acres. Herd average is 11,141kg at 3.85% fat and 3.19% protein, and the herd includes 2EX and 60 VG cows.

Harold is the current vice-president of the Manitoba Holstein branch and also coaches the Manitoba junior dairy team in preparation for the Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show.

Prior to going to Canada, he judged at shows throughout Ireland and the UK for 19 years.