Ireland's champion cow will be chosen at 3.30pm today at the Baileys Champion Cow Competition, which takes place at the Virginia Show in Co Cavan.
The competition, which is in its 24th year and jointly sponsored by Baileys and Glanbia Ingredients, is acknowledged in agricultural circles as the most prestigious dairy livestock event in Ireland.
The champion cow competition is more than a bovine beauty contest, with only high-yield cows producing 11,000 litres of milk a year eligible to enter.
"The production requirement for exhibitors is what sets this event apart," says Brendan Smyth of Glanbia, who is competition director.
"The majority of events of this kind around Europe would be judged on appearance only, but the cows exhibiting here have to be high-yield. Both Glanbia and Baileys are involved in selling milk products to consumers so for us this competition is all about encouraging milk suppliers to meet high standards."
Up to 30 holstein/friesian cows will be competing for the coveted award of champion dairy cow, and there are special awards for highest protein content, best economic breeding index (EBI) and best exhibitor-bred cow.
There are also separate categories for heifer-in-milk and dry cow.
Final judgment of the cows is on appearance alone, with top marks going for good legs, a good-shaped back and well-proportioned udders.
"It's taken very seriously by exhibitors," says Smyth.
"For a start there is a €2,000 cash prize for the champion cow, but there is also the prestige of winning. It is the one competition that the exhibitors really want to win. It's like the Sam MaGuire or Liam McCarthy Cup for farmers."
Last year's champion cow owner was Cyril Dowling who farms in Baldonnell, Co. Dublin. He says that winning the competition was very good for business. "It's the equivalent of having a horse win the Derby. It's all about progeny - outside of producing milk, selling surplus stock is what dairy farming is all about, and the publicity when you win the champion cow is unbelievable. You have customers banging on your door."
As well as being a showpiece for some of Ireland's finest livestock, the Virginia Show, which is now in its 66th year, features a food fair, dog show, garden produce, home industries, fruit and flowers and crafts. The event opens to the public at 8am.
