Fierce competition among dairy cow breeders for the best bovine title at the Virginia Agricultural Show in County Cavan.
The Bailey’s Champion Cow Competition at the Virginia Agricultural Show in County Cavan is hotly contested among dairy cow breeders. The 22 finalists have been selected from summer shows which have taken place throughout Ireland.
The cows in competition are trimmed and coiffed to look their best as Ken Proctor from Norfolk in the United Kingdom assesses each in turn. Apart from milk production, he is looking for good teeth, skin and udders,
How she looks will tell me how she milks.
The cows are paraded for over an hour before Ken Proctor reaches his decision. Wikkerink Astre Sylvia owned by Cyril Dowling from Kingswood Farm in Clondalkin is announced as the Bailey's Champion Cow. Along with the prestige that comes with winning the championship Cyril Dowling also receives a trophy and £6,000 in prize money.
Wikkerink Astre Sylvia yields up to 3,000 gallons annually. Cyril Dowling believes she is an exceptional dairy cow that exhibits all the profitable traits farmers look for,
Sharp shoulder, beautiful udder, which of course is most important, and tremendous legs for walking.
Wikkerink Astre Sylvia also has a winning personality,
You need a little bit of style in every beauty contest.
The champion cow is worth about £10,000 but her owners will be holding onto her for the time being.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 August 1998. The reporter is Joe O’Brien.
