Mooramba Talent Randell EX91 with judge, Perry Phend (USA) and associate judge Lachlan Fry, Western Australia. Randell is held by Nick Flanagan. Photo: Brooke Somerville.
In the face of a tough season on so many fronts – officials from the National Herd Developing Victorian Winter Fair – are encouraging colleagues to get off-farm and go to their high-profile Bendigo show later this month.
While numbers are slightly back from last year’s record entries – for the Holstein and Red and White Holstein show – the show committee has solid entries tabled with around 160 head to assemble in the show’s third year at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre on the Prince of Wales Showgrounds on June 29 and 30.
It will be judged by respected cowman from the United States of America, Eddie Bue.
One of the event’s co-owners Stu Modra acknowledged that the Murray Goulburn and Fonterra milk price debacle had impacted slightly on entries – as expected. But he also believes that farmers now — more than ever — need some time off-farm to re-connect with their colleagues.
“We have 163 entries tabled from 40 exhibitors and the quality is every bit as good – if not better than last year, Stu said. “There are a lot of profile cows coming back and we have more than $20,000 in cash and prizes from our sponsors.
“The Red and White Holstein show is again strong, and it remains only stand-alone Red and White Holstein Show in the country.
“We think this event is a great excuse to get off-farm and come and see a great show with outstanding cattle in a nice facility, in a fantastic town,” Stu said. “And it is going to be judged by an exciting cowman – which always adds to the event. And our sponsors round it out as a outstanding industry exhibition.”
Stu said there was more to dairy than milking cows, and registered Holsteins was another way for dairy farmers to value-add their cattle.
HEIFER RAFFLE AT WINTER FAIR
Adding to the event is the chance to win one of five Holstein heifers in a special raffle – in the North West Knock-Out Heifer Raffle. Only 150 tickets will be sold, at $100 each. First prize (valued at $6000) is the winner’s choice of five heifers offered by sub-branch members (see end of item). Second prize is $1000, while third, fourth and fifth prizes are $500. The draw will be held during the lunch break of the main show. All proceeds to go the North West’s Sheri Martin Youth Fund.
The heifers being offered are Gorbro Rivalbrax Tiffany (Archrival x Gorbro Braxton Tiffany VG89); Brindabella Fever Natalie (Fever x Brindabella Sanchez Natalie VG85); Avalon Alexander Mandy (Alexander x Avalon Mascalease Mandy GP83); Mitch Guthrie Irene (Guthrie x Mitch Aftershock Irene GP84), and Clydevale Golden dreams Perfume (Golden dreams x Clydevale Contrast Pizaz VG85).
For more information, please phone Clare Modra or Stu Modra on phone: (03) 5487 1127
or contact the Victorian Winter Fair through facebook or through the website www.victorianwinterfair.webs.com
For more information on the Heifer Raffle, please contact Glen Gordon on mobile: 0408 244 812
