There is a fair bit of excitement going on at the Brown farm at Stanhope as Harry, 9, and Dusty, 6, get their animals prepared for International Dairy Week.
The boys have been in preparation for a few months now, honing their skills across quite a few shows including Nathalia, Shepparton, Kyabram, Rochester and Elmore.
This is the first year Harry will head out into the big ring, while Dusty will have to wait a bit longer, although he will participate in the fancy dress section with his much loved calf Baby June.
Dusty was given Sundar Holsteins Baby June for his birthday and the pair have been inseparable ever since.
Mum Alicia said Dusty has been diagnosed with ADHD and having Baby June to care for has been a game changer.
“He just loves animals and he has poured his heart into Baby June — she is bomb proof and looks so tired all the time because Dusty is always working and playing with her.
“It has helped Dusty with his concentration as well,” she said.
Harry has had to change calves and he will be working with Grand Dream Ghostly Lovelies.
“The original calf he had was getting a bit too big and I thought if Harry is going to be in a class with 40 other kids, I thought he would need a smaller animal he can handle better,” Alicia said.
The grown ups won’t be missing out either, with the family expecting to take six animals to IDW – one Brown Swiss, four Jerseys and a Red Holstein.
Unfortunately, IDW Reserve Senior Champion for 2025, Sundar Total Shadow (Brown Swiss), won’t be making the trip to IDW this year, however, Alicia and Todd’s favourite cow, Grand Dream Viral Fantasy, is.
“She is pretty, makes good milk and is good to work with, although she is not a fan of being clipped,” Alicia said.
“We are all looking forward to the event, and this is the first time we will all be there, as we don’t have babysitters for the boys this year.”