The show was especially significant for members of the NZ Milking Shorthorn Association who celebrate their centenary this year, and was strongly supported by members from throughout the country. Originating in England, the Shorthorn is believed to be the oldest breed in NZ and was introduced to provide milk, meat and transport for bullock teams. Through the milking strains that were introduced the Milking Shorthorn breed was established and the association was founded in 1913.
Special medals were given for Milking Shorthorn breeders competing at the show, where they won an impressive number of awards including the senior champion cow award. With five Milking Shorthorns and one Guernsey in the line-up, Australian judge, Illawarra breeder Michael Tuhan, selected the Red Cow Farms entry, Brecon Arty Empress as the champion.
These cows were later joined by the intermediate cows for the judging of the Milking Shorthorn Association’s centennial cow award and once again it was Brecon Arty Empress who won the coveted ribbon followed by Intermediate champion Westell Empire Shelly.
In a fitting finale the cow six-years-old class was also won by Brecon Arty Empress, who was described by the judge as one of the finest Milking Shorthorns he had seen anywhere in the world. She also became the first of the breed to win an in-milk class at a NZ Dairy Event.
Winner of the supreme 2013 all NZ show champion was Tahora Talent Theresa, exhibited by the Barclay family of Te Awamutu.
The Supreme 2013 All New Zealand Show Champion at the fifth New Zealand Dairy Event, Tahora Talent Theresa, exhibited by the Barclay family of Te Awamutu is pictured with the Event's judges, from left, Iwan Morgan, Wales (Holstein Friesian) Ashley Flemming, Ireland (Jersey) Michael Tuhan, Australia (Combined Breeds) Chris Berry, New Zealand (Youth) Brian Leslie, Australia (All Breeds) Rob Barclay, (Halter) and Mary Creek, United States (Ayrshire).
