Winter hat-trick for Gorbro

Glen Gordon with Avonlea Rival Ruth, Supreme Senior Champion at this year’s National Herd Development Bendigo Winter Fair. Photos: John Holland

It has been three years and three wins in a row for Cohuna breeders Gorbro Holsteins, after taking out Supreme Senior Champion with Avonlea Rival Ruth, at this year’s National Herd Development Bendigo Winter Fair.

Glen Gordon said it was another outstanding show for the Gorbro team, taking home intermediate and reserve intermediate champion as well.

“We had a great lead-up into the show and our string performed really well,” Glen said.

“We took 10 in-milk cows and nine of them placed either first or second, so we are really pleased.”

Organiser Clare Modra said the winter fair, held on June 30 in central Victoria, was another success for the hard-working team, despite their principal judge unable to attend due to COVID-19.

“We thought this year we would finally be free of COVID but we were lucky Ben Govett stepped up for us. He did a great job in the ring, supported by Olivia Millhouse from Tasmania,” Clare said.

Jess Gavenlock from Tallygaroopna with Bluechip EV Shesaawesome Apple ET Red, the Elders Red Senior Champion Cow.

She said numbers were again solid across the show with about 140 animals on the ground.

“The quality of cattle was strong again this year and it was great to see some new exhibitors joining us from Gippsland, the Riverina and northern Victoria.”

Clare said another pleasing aspect of the fair was the great turnout of older kids across the junior section.

“These kids are the future of our industry and it was great to see so many of them preparing cattle and out in the show ring.”

The Youth Excellence Award was won by Anna Dickson from Victoria’s Western District, after she received the highest points based across the junior handlers and junior judging.

Glen Gordon with Ben Govett, who stepped in at the last minute to judge.

Kyabram’s Max Fisher received the Youth Encouragement Award.

A highlight of the winter fair was the announcement of the Power of Women in Dairying Scholarship, which was awarded to Penny Welch. She will attend the World Dairy Expo in September.

Brad and Jess Gavenlock from Tallygaroopna were thrilled when Bluechip EV Shesaawesome Apple ET Red went back-to-back, winning Elders Red Senior Champion Cow for the second time in two years.

“It was a stronger red show this year so it was pleasing to get the win,” Brad said.

“She is such a great cow to work with, especially considering she is due to be dried-off in a couple of weeks.”

Andrew Cullen with Gorbro Arrow 1st Peaches.
The line-up for Class 7, winter 2021 calves.

The Gavenlocks haven’t missed a winter fair since they returned home from the United States.

“While it does have some challenges with the weather, this is an exhibitor-friendly show. It is run by dairy people and has such a great atmosphere,” Brad said.

Clydevale Holsteins from Macorna also did well, taking out Reserve Senior Champion and Supreme Senior Udder with Clydevale Solomon Sunset ET.

There was a great turnout for the youth classes at the Bendigo event.