The annual New Zealand Dairy Event showcases the very best cattle across six breeds competing over three days.
Held at Manfield Park in Feilding January 22-24th with over 300 entries, the 2024 event did not disappoint.
Amongst some changes this year was the showing and judging being just in one ring which meant that each day the audience could watch the whole exhibition in every class.
Judges included Simon Tognola from Australia for the Jerseys, Brian Behnke from USA for the Ayrshires, Nico Bons from the Netherlands for the Holsteins along with Kiwis Jamie Taylor for the Combined Breeds and Kate Cummings for the Youth Show. The Holstein, Jersey and Ayrshire breed sections had associate judges, Josh Norton (Canterbury), Susanna Booth (Kerikeri) and Neko McDonald (Kaitaia).
Many people do not realise just how much goes into the preparation behind the scenes on the farm leading up to and during an event like this including dietary changes to the cattle and separating the show milking cows from the main dairy herd.
I really enjoy this event and as a spectator I was in my element as I got to see so many beautiful cows across multiple breeds competing in varying age groups and ultimately for the title of Supreme Champion of Champions which this year went to four year old in-milk Tahora Mogul Paris from the Dreadon/Fullerton stud in Hamilton.
Congratulations to all the exhibitors!