It was a new-look National Herd Development Winter Fair for 2026, with the inclusion of the Jersey breed for the very first time.
International Dairy Week director Declan Patten has taken on the job after Clare and Stu Modra and the organising team passed over the reins.
Declan said there were more than 250 entries from exhibitors across Victoria, NSW and South Australia along with New Zealand and Ireland, and as usual, there was strong support for all the youth events.
“It was amazing and we have had such great support. Adding the Jersey breed to the show for the first time has created a different element,” Declan said.
“The youth side continues to grow and we had kids everywhere which is great because they are the future of our industry.”
Declan said the HotCow Show String Tag Sale was a success with $25,000 paid for a two-month-old calf. An unborn jersey calf sold for $17,500 and the sale averaged $7,500.
Judge Kevin Doeberiener said it was an exceptional show and he was impressed by the dairy strength and mammary systems on show across both breeds.
“It really was an honour to judge here today and the last time I came to Australia was 10 years ago and the calibre of cattle have improved tremendously over that time,” Kevin said.
Supreme Champion was five-year-old Tomargo Recluse Door Apricot, owned by Avonlea Holsteins and Linsand Farms.
Chad and Kristin Gordon from Tongala took home Supreme Intermediate Champion with Gorgala Lambda Rae and Senior Champion Red and White with Gorbro Mirand Admire.
Senior Champion Jersey was Jireh Oliver Glory exhibited by Darrynvale Jeresys, Chris McKenzie and Rohan Sprunt.
Rohan said Glory is a really balanced cow with a lot of strength and a really good udder. She first took his eye when he saw at IDW.
“At the time I thought Glory would win her class easy and surprisingly she didn’t, so when I saw her come up for sale I went down to the auction just to buy her,” Rohan said.
Rohan did on-sell her through his own recent dispersal sale a few months ago but has stayed on as one of the partners.
“We have genomic tested Glory, which confirmed she is polled, so I am looking forward to working with her. She has been flushing really well so we should have plenty of opportunity in the future.”
Rohan said it was great to see the Jersey breed included in the show and he believes it will only grow in popularity.