Crazy Cow Volume 64 — September–November 2019

Australia's official journal for

ILLAWARRA AND GUERNSEY SOCIETIES

THE ALL BREEDS DAIRY JOURNAL Circulating 2000 copies direct to breeders // $15

SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 2019

VOLUME 64

Gorbro dominates Winter Fair Page 21

Winter Fair delights at Bendigo

Page 18

Long drive pays off for Illawarra team Page 6

Packs – 500mL single-dose bottle; 5L & 20L multi-dose Drums

Call ProviCo for more information Jon Reynolds - 0423 008 495 www.provico.com.au

THE ALL BREEDS DAIRY JOURNAL

NEXT EDITION VOLUME 64 Final booking deadline (absolute): Monday, November 4. Final finished artwork deadline: Wednesday, November 13. Mailing date: Week of December 3.

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What’s inside

EDITOR Geoff Adams editor@crazycow.com.au SUB EDITOR Moira McGann

GRAPHIC DESIGN & EDITORIAL LAYOUT Nathan Cook — editorial Hayley Menzies — advertising PRINTING & MAILING Edgeprint E: production@edgeprint.com.au Bendimail Lea Smith E: lea.smith@bendimail.com

7 A Brown Swiss heifer took out junior class but Illawarras dominated at Brisbane

5:

Junior leader showing the way

6-9:

Guts to glory at Royal Brisbane

12-13:

Royal Brisbane show results

16:

Holstein cow of the year

16:

Jersey memories

21-24:

Bendigo Winter Fair

26-31:

Adelaide Royal Show

34:

Bringing back tradition

34:

New ABV release

36:

Big news for Big Moo

37-40:

Breed society news: Guernsey

41-42:

Sire reports

43-44:

Out of the ashes

45-47:

Breed society news: Illawarra

ADVERTISING Max Hyde 0408 558 938 E: max.hyde@dairynewsaustralia.com.au

ILLAWARRA CATTLE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA Anne Ryan P: +61 2 4232 3333 E: anne@lbcentre.com.au p4his5 T W: illawarrasaust.com.au issue

GUERNSEY CATTLE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA Joyce Cleggett P: (08) 8739 4368 p3is7 E: guernseyaus@activ8.net.au Th issue Society web: guernseyaus.com Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, no responsibility will be assumed for errors or omissions. Opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of CrazyCow. Members or organisations submitting advertisements or editorial must ensure that it is factual and be aware of libel laws. Material appearing is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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Feature //

uby Polson might only be 10, but the youngster shows no sign of fear as she parades her animals around the R ring. Ruby loves to show cows and any chance she gets is spent practising her skills and working with stock.

Junior leader showing the way R

uby Polson might cut a tiny little figure in the dairy show ring amongst some of her older competitors, but the 10-year old sure has a big presence.

She shows no sign of fear as she parades her heifer around the ring always keeping an eye on her charge and of course, the judge.

She is continuously checking the presentation of her animal, making sure she always looks her best and you soon forget she is only 10 years old.

Ruby said she has always enjoyed showing and just loves working with her cows.

“I have 20 cows of my own and my favourites are Braxton, Damien and Midas — three cows that are always so loveable and like some good pats,” Ruby said.

Any spare time Ruby has, you will find her out working with the show team, teaching animals to lead or feeding calves.

“It’s mostly my dad and me who do all the training and I love working with the cows any chance I can get; I am going to take over the farm one day,” she said.

Ruby’s showing genetics are as good as the cows she shows.

Her parents Murray and Jane are from the famed Mario Park Holstein’s near Taree in NSW — their cow Mario Park Goldwyn Alicia was the 2018 Holstein Australia cow of the year.

Showing and breeding great cows has been an important part of the Polson family life for many years.

Ruby has grown up around the cows and according to Murray, she is a natural.

“She loves working with cows and she is just a natural around all animals,” he said.

The Polson family, including Ruby’s brother Lachlan and sister Isabella, travelled down to Bendigo to participate in this year’s Winter Fair — a Holstein dairy show featuring cows from across the country.

Ruby’s heifer, Mario Park Sidekick Alicia, won class 5 (summer calf born 1/1/19–3/3 19) and went on to be crowned reserve junior champion of the show.

The Polson family milk 300 cows on 242 hectares (600 acres).

They also pack up their family and their show team and make the big trip down to Tatura in Victoria to attend International Dairy Week, another great dairy show famed for its quality cows.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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// News

The Supreme Champion of this year’s Royal Brisbane, Eachamvale Precious 7, surrounded with (L-R) Jordan Minecon, Warren Schelbach, Tony McCormack, Rachel English, Illawarra judge Brooke Evans, Greg and Patrick English, and Greg’s sister Camille Milevskiy. Kneeling (L-R) are Jerry English and Angus Bewick.

Guts to glory Story: Dianne Malcolm

T

he cow that faced the longest drive — from the breed that hasn’t won supreme of all breeds for 29 years — left Royal Brisbane in mid-August with the title that everyone wanted.

Eachamvale Precious 7, owned and exhibited by Greg and Bronwyn English and family, topped off an incredible day for the Illawarra breed during the show’s 50th anniversary since it began awarding supreme titles.

The last time an Illawarra won supreme dairy cow was in 1990. That year the cow’s name was Avon Hill Dale 2, and she was owned by Bill and Bob Lester, from Warwick (Qld).

This year, Precious 7 was the breed’s king-hitter in a purple streak that included

6 //

the Illawarra breed winning all three supreme titles in the junior, intermediate and senior shows for the first time in Ekka history.

Hard yards to blue

Precious 7 is not new to the gruelling guts-to-glory 3500 km round trip truck ride from her home at Malanda on the Atherton Tablelands. In 2017 she introduced herself to the wider Queensland dairy community by winning intermediate Illawarra champion and supreme intermediate best udder at the Ekka.

This year, the English family broke the two-day drive by overnighting at the Sarina showgrounds — after clocking up almost 800 km in their first stanza. They

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Eachamvale Precious 7. Photo, Dean Malcolm.

then pushed on for another 800 km to the Ledger family’s Riverwood property at Carters Ridge — where they rested for two days — before loading up for the final twohour drive to the show.

And, while the focus at the end of the show was firmly on Precious 7, it was impossible to separate her victory from the entire Eachamvale effort. The family brought six head to the show; they won two of the three individual supreme titles (both in-milk), including their first premier breeder and exhibitor for the breed. They also won supreme intermediate with Eachamvale Erin 4.

Greg English described their show as a “dream come true”, wiping a tear from his eye when the broad-ribbon finally settled on Precious 7’s neck.

“We were really hoping she [Precious] could do it,” he said. “But everything had to go right. We had a very long trip to the showgrounds, and she had to first win her class and then champion Illawarra before we could even entertain the chance she would have a shot at supreme.”

Believe it

The Illawarra show was judged by Victorian dairywoman Brooke Evans. The supreme titles were decided by North Queensland

Shows //

ROYAL BRISBANE Holstein breeder, Colin Daley.

Greg said their daughter Rachel “always tells me, ‘Dad, you’ve got to believe’, and she was right”.

“We did absolutely everything we could to give Precious every chance. We left no stone unturned, and now, looking at it all in hindsight, it’s amazing what can happen when you really have a go.

“I’m just so proud, and to all of my family and extended family, thank you.

I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”

Precious is a third calved 4.5-year-old, sired by Silverleigh Manhattan. Manhattan (2013 and 2014 champion bull at Malanda Show) is sired by Red & White Holstein sire Apples Absolute. Although most would be forgiven for thinking Precious is sired by Apples Absolute because of her unmistakeable high-style Apple look.

Greg said he bought Manhattan when he was just a few months old because the bull “had so much style and class”. Today, Eachamvale has up to 30 Manhattan daughters in its herd.

Greg English was joined by three of his and Bronwyn’s seven children at the show: Jerry, Patrick and Rachel, along with Patrick’s friend Angus Bewick.

Their siblings Catherine, Hannah, Mary and Frances held the fort at home with Bronwyn for the two-week endeavour.

showing what it takes

Supreme judge Colin Daley gives Jerry English’s lead, Eachamvale Erin 4, Supreme Intermediate of the show.

Good buying

The supreme junior champion was Allen Vale Linda 40th. Two weeks before the show she belonged to Alan and Denise Whatman. By the time showtime rolled around she was in the combined hotel of Tim Nichols, Damen Phillips and Waylon Barron, of Toowoomba.

Damen said: “Alan rang two weeks ago, and told me he had a few heifers here that were available to buy. I particularly wanted to buy one from the Blossom family, and that’s what I went there to do. But there was this other really pretty heifer that I liked and so I ended up buying two that day. To be honest, it was very unexpected to come out and win today. I think it’s more exciting when you win with one you don’t expect.

“It’s not been a bad investment and return so far within two weeks,” he quipped.

The three-way partnership could savour back-to-back titles because they were also the joint owners of last year’s supreme junior champion/junior champion Illawarra, Sunny View Barbwire Pauline.

upreme Junior Champion was the Illawarra Allen Vale Linda 40th. She is pictured (L-R) with Peter Edwards, S co-owner Damen Phillips, handler Sam Hentschke, and Roma Councillor for Dairy, Ian Galloway.

Jersey no ‘False Alarm’

Reserve supreme champion came out of the Jersey show and she also had a heartwarming story.

Kenarie False Alarm was exhibited by Pat and Trish McDonald, of Murwillumbah (30 minutes from the Gold Coast with a NSW post code). Pat is aged 85, and has won 10 champion Jersey titles at the Ekka since 1989. He still milks morning and night at home, and he remains a man ahead of his time when it comes to marketing. One of the true gentlemen of the industry, he was quick to congratulate Greg English

F rankie Hayden is on the halter of the show’s Supreme Best Udder, Bruanna Frances 12th. She is joined (L-R standing) by Elizabeth Montana, and Brendan & Corrie Hayden. Kneeling (L-R) is sponsor Wayne Bradshaw (Jefo) and Jane Thomas, wife of RNA president David Thomas.

after the supreme judge, Colin Daley, separated their two cows in the tight race.

False Alarm was the aged cow winner under NSW Jersey judge Hayley Menzies.

She had five calves to her credit and it was her second time shown. Pat said that how he named her often comes up in

ROWN SWISS JUNIOR CHAMPION B Maverick Arrow Chloe Josh Kramers, Dayboro, QLD.

conversation.

“Her mother’s name was Just Confusion, and her sire’s name was Bellboy, so when I was trying to think of a name, I thought, ‘the bellboy rung the bell, and there was just confusion, and it sounded like a false alarm to me’.” >>

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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KENARIE FALSE ALARM EX 92 1st 7yr old in-milk, 1st Best Udder SENIOR CHAMPION COW RESERVE SUPREME Brisbane Royal 2019

6800l 3.74% 254kgp 5.31% 254kgf 287d

False Alarm

Currently producing 30.9L / day She has a KOOP son for sale

NO

AT BRISBANE ROYAL 2019 KENARIE NEXTINLINE GOLD 1st 2.5yr old in-milk, 3rd Best Udder HM INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION Brisbane Royal 2019

Exhibiting 6 head...

KENARIE HANDSOME SPOTLIGHT

1st heifer 10-15mth & RES JUNIOR CHAMPION 1st PEN of cows under 3

KENARIE GALAXY EXPRESSION EX 90

Thank you

1st 5yr old in-milk 5991l 4.21% 252kgp 5.80% 351kgf 291d Currently producing 35.4L / day She has a KOOP son for sale

To Graham, Charlie, Angus, Mick & Brooke for all their hard work in preparing the cows.

Congratulations to Pat & Trish on celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary in September

ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES | IMAGES: DEAN MALCOLM

Kenarie

PAT AND TRISH MCDONALD

244 Cane Road, Murwillumbah, NSW, 2484 Phone: (02) 6672 1145 | Email: kenariejerseys@gmail.com

JERSEYS Visitors always welcome

Shows //

ROYAL BRISBANE

showing what it takes

<< He said: “I think it’s a good name, and people seem to remember it because it’s so different. And, if they remember the name, they’ll probably remember the cow.”

He acknowledged that False Alarm was their big hope.

“I’ve been worried about her for a month,” he said. “She looked brilliant when she calved, but she lost a bit of form and went off her tucker, but she’s just coming right again.”

He said all his champions were special in their own way, and that he had always had a “purpose and a plan” for their careers.

With no ideas to give up dairying, Pat appears a likely starter for next year.

“Oh, I guess there are days when you wished you weren’t there [in the dairy], but milking every day gives me a reason to get out of bed, and it keeps my mind and body going. If I gave it away, I’d lack that purpose and passion to do it.”

Guernsey show off

The Champion Guernsey had her own moment to shine in the supreme titles when she won best udder of the show.

Bruanna Frances 12th, sired by Lindrain Pilot Grumpy, was exhibited by the Hayden family, of Pilton (Qld). Bred by the Tamis family from British Columbia (Canada), Pilot was the first Canadian Guernsey Association/Semex syndicate sire.

Frances 12th won the three-to-four years in-milk class. She was the sole entry and could have stood markedly more competition. The supreme judging offered her the chance to show supreme judge Colin Daley what she was made of. Colin had no hesitation in sending her to the top of the line ahead of more traditional breed choices, validating the Guernsey show’s judge, Steve Joyce of Victoria.

Ayrshires shine in Intermediate best udder

The Ayrshire entry from Ray and Robyn Zerner won supreme intermediate best udder after winning the title for her breed.

Sired by Palmyra Tri Star Burdette, the twoand-a-half to three-year-old in-milk entry calls Amamoor home.

Young exhibitor Leo Schneider, of D’Aguilar (Qld), had a great day, winning junior champion, honourable mention junior champion and reserve champion cow.

It was enough to push him comfortably across the line for premier breeder and premier exhibitor.

enior Champion Jersey, Kenarie False Alarm, with (L-R) Graham Hoey, Michael Ross, Pat McDonald S and Stuart Blackmore.

premier exhibitor banner.

The Barron family of Cambooya (Qld), who are also facing off against a crushingly dry season, helped hold up the breed’s presence, taking their share of the spoils.

The talk of the week, was the incredible commitment of all exhibitors to show — regardless of the telling season.

Wistful Swiss exhibitor

Joe and Noeline Bradley haven’t shown at the Ekka for four years, since the death of their good friend and popular Brown Swiss breeder, Jeremy Josefski. They came back for their son, Josh Kramers, and left with a truckload of ribbons.

“It was mixed emotions for us,” Joe said.

“But I know Jeremy would have wanted us to go back, and I’m glad we went.

“I wanted people to see a good Brown Swiss exhibition. We worked in with the Hayden family’s Guernsey team, and we shared the fitter [Callum McPhee] between us, so it was a bit hectic when we got to champion cow in our respective breeds and teams, but we got it done.”

Joe is now toying with the offer to take some Swiss to International Dairy Week in Victoria for the first time in January 2020 (within a Queensland Ayrshire contingent heading south for the breed’s World Conference Show).

obbyview Whiskeys Rosie and Nobbyview N Jerseys’ Tim Beattie gets the nod for Reserve Supreme from judge Colin Daley.

I ntermediate Ayrshire Champion, Pineville Thistle Burdette, is pictured with judge Steve Joyce, handler Rod Thomas, and Margaret Schneider.

Holsteins hover

This year the Holsteins, a breed that used to dominate entries at the Ekka, did not have the numbers to match their glory years.

However, Arabella Farming Company at Brookstead (Qld), ignored the tough season and pushed through to show a quality team. They were rewarded with six of the nine individual broad-ribbons awarded by judge Murray Polson (NSW). It would also give them another premier breeder and

T he Intermediate Champion Jersey line-up is (L-R) Intermediate Champion, Nobbyview Eddies Jewel (Nobbyview Jerseys, Glamorgan Vale, Qld), Reserve Champion Glen Echo GN Mist (Parker Pastoral, Kenilworth, Qld) and Honourable Mention, Kenarie Next In Line Gold (Murwillumbah, NSW).

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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Queensland - PHOTO: SIMON TOGNOLA -

EACHAMVALE PRECIOUS 7 EX 90 (3RD CALF)

SUPREME CHAMPION COW, BRISBANE 2019 1ST ILLAWARRA TO WIN IN 29 YEARS Supreme Champion & Supreme Udder Malanda, Atherton & Cairns 2019 Sire: Silverleigh Manhattan | Dam: Eachamvale Precious 4 EX 90

ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES

Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

EACHAMVALE ERIN 4 VG 85

SUPREME INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION, BRISBANE 2019 Intermediate Champion Malanda, Atherton & Cairns 2019 Sire: Silverleigh Motivator | Dam: Eachamvale Erin 2

Champions - PHOTO: DEAN MALCOLM -

THE JOURNEY 6 HEAD EXHIBITED 2 x CHAMPIONS 2 x SUPREME CHAMPIONS 3500km TRAVELLED

MOST SUCCESSFUL ILLAWARRA BREEDER & EXHIBITOR

Congratulations to the Illawarra exhibitors on a fantastic display of the breed.

Winning 3 SUPREMES for the first time in ‘Ekka’ history.

A dream come true We would like to thank the Teese family, the Ledger family and everyone who helped us achieve these results.

Thanks to Tom Wade for his outstanding clipping work.

EACHAMVALE ILLAWARRAS

GREG & BRONWYN ENGLISH & FAMILY Upper Barron Rd, Malanda, QLD 4885 07 4095 1041 | 0427 951 041 (Greg) eachamvale@bigpond.com

// Shows

ROYAL BRISBANE

showing what it takes

Royal Brisbane Show Results BROWN SWISS

AYRSHIRE

GUERNSEY

Judge — Murray Polson, NSW

Judge — Murray Polson, NSW

Judge — Steve Joyce, VIC

JUNIOR CHAMPION: MAVERICK ARROW CHLOE Sire: Superbrown Arrow Exhibitor: Josh Kramers, Dayboro, QLD RESERVE : QUICKSILVER NICK INTERESTING Sire: Elavesor PV Nicholas Exhibitor: Andrew & Larina McConnell, Clintonvale, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: OAKLEIGH BIVER JEDDA 6 Sire: Scherma Blooming Biver Exhibitor: J & N Bradley, Dayboro, QLD

JUNIOR CHAMPION : TAILOR’S GROVE ELLA LACE Sire: Ardmore Crown Napier Exhibitor: Leo Schneider, D’Aguilar, QLD RESERVE : PINEVILLE TEDS VICKING Sire: De-La-Plaine-Viking Exhibitor: RG & RO Zerner, Amamoor, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION : TAILORS GROVE MISS GENTLE Sire: Duo Star Gentleman Exhibitor: Leo Schneider, D’Aguilar, QLD

JUNIOR CHAMPION : BRUANNA SUPERMAN SPRING Sire: Faria Farms Crunch Superman Exhibitor: Hayden family, Pilton, QLD RESERVE: BRUANNA FRANCES 13TH Sire: Bruanna Prada Exhibitor: Hayden family, Pilton, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: WYRALLAH PRADA RHIANNA Sire: Solden Gate Prada Exhibitor: Andrew & Larina McConnell, Clintonvale, QLD

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: OAKLEIGH BLOOMING LADORA 6 Sire: Scherma Glenn Blooming Exhibitor: J & N Bradley, Dayboro, QLD RESERVE QUICKSILVER BLOOMING LADYBETTLE Sire: Scherma Glenn Blooming Exhibitor: Andrew & Larina McConnell, Clintonvale, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION OAKLEIGH BLOOMING LASSIE Sire: Scherma Glenn Blooming Exhibitor: J & N Bradley, Dayboro, QLD

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: PINEVILLE THISTLE BURDETTE Sire: Palmyra Tri Star Burdette Exhibitor: RG & RO Zerner, Amamoor, QLD RESERVE: BOOMBANA YANG Sire: Palmyra Raven Benevola Exhibitor: Nicholas Schneider, D’Aguilar, QLD

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: SHADOW VALLEY PV ABBY Sire: Glencrest Phoenix Victor Exhibitor: JT & JM O’Donohoe, Hirstglen, QLD RESERVE: SHADOW VALLEY PV CAROL Sire: Glencrest Phoenix Victor Exhibitor: JT & JM O’Donohoe, Hirstglen, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: BRUANNA AARON LEVI SPICE Sire: Maradore Aaron Levi-ET Exhibitor: Hayden family, Pilton, QLD

CHAMPION COW : OAKLEIGH PAYSSLI ROBY Sire: Pavssli Exhibitor: J & N Bradley, Dayboro, QLD RESERVE: OAKLEIGH JONGLEUR LASSIE 5 Sire: Jolahofs Polo Jongleur Exhibitor: J & N Bradley, Dayboro, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: Elavesor DONJACK BELLA Sire: Superbrown Donjack Exhibitor: Andrew & Larina McConnell, Clintonvale, QLD PREMIER BREEDER/ PREMIER EXHIBITOR: J & N Bradley, Dayboro, QLD

12 //

Champion Cow and Supreme Champion, Kenarie False Alarm. Photo, Dean Malcolm.

CHAMPION COW: BOOMBANA CROWN PRINCESS Sire: Ardmore Crown Napier Exhibitor: Nicholas Schneider, D’Aguilar, QLD RESERVE: TAILOR’S GROVE EBENEE Sire: Palmyra Raven Benevola Exhibitor: Leo Schneider, D’Aguilar, QLD PREMIER BREEDER/ PREMIER EXHIBITOR: Leo Schneider, D’Aguilar, QLD

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

CHAMPION COW/SUPREME BEST UDDER: BRUANNA FRANCES 12TH Sire: Lindrain Pilot Grumpy Exhibitor: Hayden family, Pilton, QLD RESERVE: BRUANNA MARMONTE REO Sire: Faria Farms G Monte Exhibitor: Hayden family, Pilton, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: SHADOW VALLEY TS JOONDOOMBA Sire: Homehill Trotacre Sengate Exhibitor: JT & JM O’Donohoe, Hirstglen, QLD PREMIER BREEDER/ PREMIER EXHIBITOR: JT & JM O’Donohoe, Hirstglen, QLD

Shows //

ROYAL BRISBANE

showing what it takes

reg English (left) and Pat McDonald share a congratulatory moment after Greg’s G Illawarra entry narrowly beat Pat’s Jersey Champion at the Ekka for Supreme.

HOLSTEIN

I ntermediate Champion And Supreme Champion, Eachamvale Erin 4. Photo, Dean Malcolm.

ILLAWARRA

JERSEY

Judge — Murray Polson, NSW

Judge — Brooke Evans, VIC

JUNIOR CHAMPION: ARABELLA 1St GRADE DING Sire: Farnear-Bh 1st Grade Exhibitor: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD RESERVE: ARDYLBAR CLASSY FLORA Sire: Zahbulls Alta 1stclass Exhibitor: AD & SL Barron, Cambooya, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: ARDYLBAR SOLOMON VICKI Sire: Walnutlawn Solomon Exhibitor: AD & SL Barron, Cambooya, QLD

JUNIOR CHAMPION/SUPREME JUNIOR CHAMPION: ALLEN VALE LINDA 40TH Sire: Treeton Pimp Exhibitor: Tim Nichols, Phillips, Barron, Toowoomba, QLD RESERVE: PANORAMA JEAN 25TH Sire: Panorama Fabulous Exhibitor: Loka Manu, Caters Ridge, QLD

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: ARABELLA DIAMOND LYNROSE Sire: Mr D Apple Diamondback Exhibitor: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD RESERVE: POOLEY BRIDGE VELVET ANNE Sire: Pooley Bridge Velvet Exhibitor: AD & SL Barron, Cambooya, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: ARABELLA SOLOMON DING Sire: Walnutlawn Solomon Exhibitor: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION/ SUPREME INTERMEDIATE: EACHAMVALE ERIN 4 Sire: Silverleigh Motivator Exhibitor: Greg & Bronwyn English, Malanda, QLD RESERVE: MYRTLEHOLME EMPRESS 85-ET Sire: Glenbrook General Exhibitor: JP Bourke & Co Pty Ltd, Gladfield, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: MYRTLEHOLME W GLENDA 14 Sire: Myrtleholme Josh Exhibitor: JP Bourke & Co Pty Ltd, Gladfield, QLD

CHAMPION COW: ARABELLA BROKE TAM Sire: Mr Atwood Brokaw Exhibitor: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD RESERVE : ARABELLA JETTAIR DOTTI Sire: Sidahl Jett Air Exhibitor: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: ARABELLA FEVER DEANNE Sire: Crackholm Fever Exhibitor: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD PREMIER BREEDER/ PREMIER EXHIBITOR: Arabella Farming Company, Brookstead, QLD

Judge — Hayley Menzies, NSW

HONOURABLE MENTION: SUNNY VIEW SUPREME PAULINE Sire: Sunstorm Supreme Exhibitor: Tim Nichols, Phillips, Barron, Toowoomba, QLD

CHAMPION COW/SUPREME CHAMPION: EACHAMVALE PRECIOUS 7 Sire: Silverleigh Manhattan Exhibitor: Greg & Bronwyn English, Malanda, QLD RESERVE: OVENSDALE ROSE 182 Sire: Ovensdale Jennys Contender Exhibitor: Greg & Bronwyn English, Malanda, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: WHITE PARK POLLY 469 Sire: Tara Chester Exhibitor — MJ & GJ Henry, Hodgonsvale, QLD PREMIER EXHIBITOR/ PREMIER BREEDER: Greg & Bronwyn English, Malanda, QLD

JUNIOR CHAMPION: NOBBYVIEW WHISKEYS ROSIE Sire: Nobbyview Miracles Whisky Exhibitor: Nobbyview Partnership, Glamorgan Vale QLD RESERVE: KENARIE HANDSOME SPOTLIGHT Sire: Kenarie Handsome Designer Exhibitor: PG & PM McDonald, Murwillumbah, NSW HONOURABLE MENTION: GLEN-ECHO DAVID PETUNIA 4098 Sire: Sunset Canyon David Exhibitor: Parker Pastoral, Kenilworth, QLD INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: NOBBYVIEW EDDIES JEWEL Sire: Tc 1709 Impressive Eddie Exhibitor: Nobbyview Partnership, Glamorgan Vale, QLD RESERVE: GLEN ECHO GN MIST Sire: Glen Echo Guapole Exhibitor: Parker Pastoral, Kenilworth, QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: KENARIE NEXT IN LINE GOLD Sire: Brunchilli Next In Line Exhibitor: PG & PM McDonald, Murwillumbah, NSW CHAMPION COW: KENARIE FALSE ALARM Sire: Kenarie Bellboy Exhibitor: PG & PM McDonald, Murwillumbah, NSW RESERVE: NOBBYVIEW VIRGIL’S PAM Sire: Gold Wave Augustus Virgil Exhibitor: Nobbyview Partnership, Glamorgan Vale QLD HONOURABLE MENTION: NOBBYVIEW ELTONS LORNA Sire: Cairnbrae Jaces Elton Exhibitor: Nobbyview Partnership, Glamorgan Vale QLD PREMIER BREEDER/ PREMIER EXHIBITOR: Nobbyview Partnership, Glamorgan Vale QLD

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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SUPREME UDDER Brisbane Royal

BRUANNA FRANCES 12TH VG 85 @2YR 1st 3yr old, Best Udder in class, Reserve Intermediate Champion, IDW 2019 1st 3-4yr old, Best Udder, Champion Cow,

SUPREME UDDER & HM SUPREME COW,

Brisbane Royal 2019 Intermediate Champion, Brisbane Royal 2018

Sire: Lindrain Grumpy Pilot Daughter: Bruanna Frances 13th (pictured below)

Bruanna Marmonte Reo EX 90 (94 Mam)

1st 4-5yr old, Best Udder, Champion Cow, Supreme Udder & HM Supreme Cow, Toowoomba Royal 2019 1st 4-5yr old Best Udder, Champion Cow, Supreme Udder & Supreme Cow, Gympie Show 2019 1st 4-5yr old & Reserve Champion Cow, Brisbane Royal 2019

BRUANNA FRANCES 13TH

2nd 6-12mth, Toowoomba Royal 2019 2nd 6-12mth & HM Junior Champion, Gympie Show 2019 2nd 6-12mth & Reserve Junior Champion, Brisbane Royal 2019 Dam: Bruanna Frances 12th VG 85 @2yr (pictured above)

Our Firsts

1st year exhibiting @ IDW 1st time winning Supreme Udder at Toowoomba Royal 1st year exhibiting @ Gympie Show winning SUPREME UDDER & SUPREME COW The 1st Guernsey to win in 61 years!

Thank you...

to everyone who has helped us achieve these results and been part of the journey, we couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nt do it without you!

Brendan, Corrie, Frances & Elizabeth Hayden PILTON, QUEENSLAND (m) 0428 553 836 (h) 07 4696 4552 (e) bruannadairies@gmail.com

ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES | FRANCES IMAGE: ANDREW CULLEN

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// News

Holstein cow of the year T

he 2019 Holstein Australia Cow of the Year is Orchard Vale Informer Tiffany from Gorbro Holsteins (bred

by DJ WM Orchard).

Gorbro Holsteins Glen Gordon said it was rewarding to see her finally win.

“This is the third year she been a finalist so to see her recognised for the special cow she is has been very satisfying,” Glen said.

Informer Tiffany impressed the judges with her fertility, milk, type and excellent daughter performance.

The Judges’ said ‘this cow continues to develop with more progeny that classify extremely well, have heaps of milk, great

Orchard Vale Informer Tiffany has been crowned Holstein Australia Cow of the Year.

components and impressive genetic merit’.

Informer Tiffany is a past On Farm Challenge state champion.

She has 25 daughters in milk with the best of them averaging a PI of 120.4.

She has 33 direct daughters including two cows at EX91; five cows at VG88; 24 VG daughters and three GP daughters.

Her biggest impact through her daughters is the ability they have to work and produce milk and her daughters feature in the top of the Australian genomically tested females including the current number three cow and the number five cow on BPI in June, and has six daughters over 300 for BPI. This envious

Jersey memories

record has been achieved with many daughters scattered throughout many different herds. Not only do her daughters have an incredible ability to milk but they also have the ability to show against the best show cows in the country.

Other finalists were Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 11 — ET(g) EX92–3E. Owner & breeder Elmar Holsteins Australia Eclipse Damion G Princess-IMP-ET EX90–1E. Owner: Richard Hull, VIC. Breeder: Holland-NRS, NLD Clydevale Mrsam Pisa (g) EX-91–3E. Owner: Clydevale Holsteins. Breeder: AF and CM Dee, VIC Ian Anderson was only two and his sister Christine four when they became the poster children for the first edition of the Jersey Journal in 1969.

Fifty years later, the siblings reunited to recreate the photos as the Journal celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The original photos were taken by Claude Taylor from the Seddon Jersey Stud and an Australian Jersey Breeders Society committee member at the time.

Naturally Ian, now operating Kings View Jersey Stud at Nar Nar Goon, doesn’t have any memories of the photo shoot, but he remains as committed as ever to the Jersey breed.

While her three brothers continued in dairy with their Jersey cows, Christine became a nurse.

F

or fifty years the Jersey Journal has been staple reading for breeders around the country.

The Jersey Journal has survived floods, droughts, recessions and even a name change for its parent body from Australian Jersey Breeders Society to today’s Jersey Australia.

It began when the Livestock Bulletin went out of print and the first edition rolled off the printing press at Ruskin Press in North Melbourne on September 30, 1969, Graeme Warrener was the first editor.

It was the brainchild of state branch

16 //

members Charlie Gay of Yarram and Reg Broad of Bendigo, who went on to become life members of the Society.

Jersey Australia president Chris MacKenzie said it has a vital role keeping members informed, sharing stories and promoting Australian Jerseys to the world.

“It is still appreciated by members as an informative means of communication. The emphasis in recent years has changed to feature more breeder stories to highlight their achievements and successful farming and breeding practices,” Chris said.

“Our members still look forward to it

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

for information from the Jersey Australia board and management and for stories about other farmers,” he said.

International exposure through regular downloads across many countries also strengthens the Jersey brand.

Former Australian Jersey Breeders Society president Lionel Bonde was one of the founders of the Journal, he said the publication was innovative at the time with its commitment to one breed and focus on producing good quality photographs and stories.

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// Shows

WINTER FAIR

showing what it takes

Snaps from the Winter Fair

Calf born 1/1/19-31/3/19.

Future leaders work on their skills.

Luke Gardiner lines up his charge in the youth show.

The red Holsteins take over the ring.

Astre Modra prepares to head out into the ring.

Gorbro Solomon Livia.

18 //

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Brady Hore with Elmar Solomon Jessica.

Hannah Dee with Junior Champion Clydevale Piston Sunsmart.

Shows //

WINTER FAIR

showing what it takes

asey Treloar lines up Mooway C Destiny Carmel.

Junior Show YOUTH JUNIOR CHAMPION: Clydevale Piston Sunsmart — Clydevale Holsteins.

RESERVE JUNIOR YOUTH CHAMPION: Mario Park Sidekick Alicia — MD and JE Polson.

Bec Fisher puts the finishing touches on one of her cows.

Eagle Ridge Goldchip Tiffany.

RED JUNIOR CHAMPION Parrabel RS Jordy Okoala ET Red — Junnash Holsteins.

RESERVE RED JUNIOR CHAMPION: Cherrylock BH Apple Cider Red — Hardgrave, Franchise, Borba and Anderson.

SUPREME JUNIOR CHAMPION: Cherrylock Chassity’s Innocence IMP ET — B and J Gavenlock, Tallygaroopna.

uby Polson in action R at the Winter Fair. p and comer award U winner Grace Hewlett.

RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION: Gorbro Diamondback Darling ET — Gorbro Holsteins.

Intermediate Show SUPREME INTERMEDIATE UDDER: Murribrook Reginald Victory ET — JH & CJ Gardiner.

RED INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Bluechip EV Awesome Destini — Sunrise Holsteins.

RESERVE RED INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Amelia Park Faber Naomi 2nd Red — Nathan Hart.

SUPREME INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Murribrook Reginald Victory ET — John and Cherie Gardiner RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Elmar Solomon Jessica 2 ET — Elmar Holsteins.

Supreme Show Four year old in milk class.

ikayla Daniel was M the recipient of the Youth Excellence Award and received a clipping frame.

SUPREME SENIOR UDDER: Eagle Ridge Amazing G Pollyanna — Gorbro Holsteins and Alexz Crawford.

SUPREME SENIOR CHAMPION: Eagle Ridge Amazing G Pollyanna — Gorbro Holsteins and Alexz Crawford.

RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION: Benlargo Sid Furry Imp ET — Benlargo Holsteins.

Premier Breeder Gorbro Holsteins Premier Exhibitor JH & CJ Gardiner

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// 19

Agri-Gene Pty Ltd 123-125 Tone Road, Wangaratta Victoria 3677

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Shows //

WINTER FAIR

showing what it takes

enior champion cow and best udder at the National herd Development Winter S Fair is Eagle Ridge Amazing G Pollyanna, owned by Gorbro Holsteins.

Gorbro dominates Winter Fair G

orbro Holsteins Glen Gordon is still smiling after outstanding success at this year’s National Herd Development Winter Fair.

Glen said it was one to remember after taking home senior champion cow and best udder in the senior show with Eagle Ridge Amazing G Pollyanna — owned in conjunction with Alexz Crawford and bought especially for the Winter Fair.

It was the udder of the four-year old that initially attracted Glen.

“We bought her with the intention of showing her here at the fair,” Glen said. “We knew she could compete and compete well and we thought we could have some real fun with her out in the ring.”

It might have been Pollyanna’s first show, but Glen is looking forward to see where she goes over the next 12 months.

"We will get her a little bit more developed out through her rib and her flank,

and we think she will make a very nice third-calf five-year-old next year," he said.

The VG88 cow is sired by Mr Atlees Amazing out of Eagle Ridge Goldroy Pollyanna and has been joined with the goal of returning to defend her title next year.

The ribbons for Gorbro didn’t stop at senior champion.

There was five-year-old best udder of class Eagle Ridge Goldchip S Tiffany EX90, who was also pulled out for senior champion.

Gorbro Solomon Livia VG87 won junior 2 best udder of class and honourable mention intermediate champion.

Gorbro also had success at the heifer show with Gorbro Diamondback Darling, who won reserve junior champion, and Gorbro Undenied Unbelievable, who placed second in class.

To top it all off, Gorbro took home

premier breeder of the show.

Glen said it was a huge effort to get the group of 24 head to the show and he paid credit to the great team behind him.

Gorbro also decided to host its Winter Wonders tag sale at the fair, selling 10 of the 16 lots for a sale average of $5750.

“Selling the cows through a sale like this takes some of the risk out in a volatile market — we didn’t want to give the cows away,” Glen said.

Glen said he would have considered selling half of the lots a success, so to sell two thirds was even better.

“It was pleasing to see not just the cheaper animals sell,” he said. “We moved quite a few of the elite ones as well; people still like buying good quality cows.”

The majority of the cows sold found new homes in Victoria and interstate in NSW.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// 21

Shows //

WINTER FAIR

showing what it takes

Sun shines for Michaela You can’t wipe the smile off Michaela Thompson’s face since her senior two-yearold, Bluechip EV Awesome Destini ET Red, won Red intermediate champion at this year’s Winter Fair.

It has been a great couple of years for Michaela’s Sunrise Holsteins and Destini, who was also crowned reserve junior champion heifer at IDW in 2018.

Michaela purchased the young heifer at the Winter Fair sale in 2017 because she liked the heifers overall shape and the double Apple cross in her pedigree.

“I love her depth and openness and she is so wide right through from her muzzle to her rump,” Michaela said.

Michaela is hoping this is only the beginning of Destini’s journey and she has plans to take her to IDW next year, but that will depend on her pregnancy status (she has an unconfirmed calving date in April) and how she is looking.

Bluechip Rival Paradise, a spring-born 2018 calf, had a class win and Michaela is very excited to watch her progress over the next couple of years.

“She has a good square rump and a depth and dairyness that should see her develop well,” she said.

This was the first time Michaela along with her friend Hayden King have taken a string of cows in their own right.

Their team of 16 performed very well with Hayden’s cow also taking out Red junior champion heifer.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge with 16 animals but we enjoyed it and it ran pretty much smoothly despite one of the cows only calving six days before the show,” Michaela said.

“We just kept an extra eye on her and we had other people helping us, so it all went pretty well.”

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ichaela Thompson with Bluechip EV M Awesome Destini ET Red, the Intermediate Red Champion at this year’s Winter Fair.

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CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// 23

// Shows

WINTER FAIR

showing what it takes

For the first time in the history of the Winter Fair two female judges will be in charge of the ring. Tasmania’s Olivia Millhouse is honoured to be named associate judge.

Female first for Winter Fair

O

livia Millhouse is familiar with many show rings across the country and she is just about to hit the big time, after she was named assistant judge for the 2020 National Herd Development Winter Fair.

Olivia will be commandeering the ring alongside Molly Sloan from Wisconsin and for the first time in the history of the event, it will be a female judging duo.

Olivia said she was very much looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s been an honour to be asked to judge one of the biggest dairy shows in Australia and I think it is exciting to have two women in the ring — I am not fazed by the gender thing at all,” Olivia said.

Olivia said she had watched Molly judge the Brown Swiss section at International Dairy Week in 2013 and she was really impressed.

“Molly was really good to watch and listen to. She was particularly good with the microphone, spoke well and had some really good comments,” she said.

24 //

Olivia said she looks at it as an honour to be in the position to judge other people’s animals, especially after they have put all the time and effort into preparing them for a show.

“You are always learning and evolving, and I have been fortunate to work with some pretty good people over the years who have taught me many things — I am just looking forward to getting out there in the ring,” she said.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Olivia said she was always encouraged to show, and it was something the whole family did together.

“I have always liked it. Starting off with an animal in the paddock, breaking it to lead, feeding it a show diet, and clipping — the whole transformation is very rewarding,” she said.

“It’s also great to network and I have been able to meet so many likeminded people with the same interests and passions.”

Along with her other siblings, Olivia is

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

part of Southwick Holsteins, a small stud in Tasmania.

“We have had some pretty consistent success over the years,” Olivia said.

“My parents dispersed in 1995 but they kept a small group of cows because us kids were interested.”

Olivia said the Tasmanian showing season would get underway in spring and Southwick would certainly be in on the action.

“Last year I was involved with the youth programs where I had an opportunity to share my knowledge of the industry and showing,” she said. “I really enjoy doing it when I can.”

Olivia travelled to the World Dairy Expo in 2012 and she toured through some of the large European Shows in 2017.

“It’s great to see other people judging, to see what they are looking for and the comparative terms they are using — it’s all part of the learning process.”

BROOKLEIGH MEMORIES Guernsey Feature Show 2019 @ Adelaide Royal MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR

CHAMPION COW, SUPREME CHAMPION GUERNSEY & BEST UDDER

BROOKLEIGH JOCELYN

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BROOKLEIGH LEGEND BLESSING (Amy Cleggett) RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION

BROOKLEIGH DESSERT

We would like to thank our helpers Phil, Ellen, Kyella, Sam, Courtney and especially Amy for the time and effort they put into looking after our team of Guernseys before and during the show.

BROOKLEIGH Guernseys Guernseys make the world’s finest milk

Lyndon, Joyce, Keith, Rick, and Amy Cleggett PO Box 54, Glencoe SA 5291 Ph: (08) 8739 4368 Email: brookleigh@activ8.net.au Find us on Facebook “Brookleigh Guernseys”

// Shows

ADELAIDE ROYAL

showing what it takes

Champion Intermediate Jersey Ashtaney Floodgate Tinsel.

Tinsel glitter at Adelaide

T

he lead up to this year’s Adelaide Royal could be best described as a little hectic for the Koch family.

Andrew and Angela, along with daughters Ashleigh, Taylah and Courtney worked out on the Tuesday before they left; two of their mature cows hadn’t even seen a halter before, let alone been led.

What followed was a few intensive training days, culminating in one of these cows, Ashtaney Floodgate Tinsel, winning intermediate champion Jersey.

Intermediate champion was just one

26 //

of the many wins: the Kochs cleaned up the Jersey show, winning reserve juvenile champion with Ashtaney Viral Asha, reserve intermediate with Ashtaney Tequila Perfect, senior champion with Nyowee Rose 55 and reserve champion with Ashtaney Blackstone Silverfinch.

The family was also crowned most successful exhibitor.

“Everything seemed to line up right, the cows calved at the right time and I think it is the strongest line-up of intermediate cows we have had in years,” Andrew said.

Andrew said both Tinsel and Tequila

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

came from nowhere and neither of them had been in the showring before.

Intermediate reserve champion Tequila’s history can be traced back to the famed Daraway herd, which has prominent ABV indexes.

“We bought some Daraway cows about 10 years ago and we hadn’t bred anything to outstanding until Tinsel came along and she has turned out to be a bit of a favourite amongst the show,” Andrew said.

Juvenile reserve Asha was honourable mention last year and traces back to the Fernleaf family from Bushlea.

News //

The Koch family with their champion line-up of intermediate cows, (L-R) Taylah, Andrew and Angela.

“Everything seemed to line up right, the cows calved at the right time and I think it is the strongest line-up of intermediate cows we have had in years.”

Taylah Koch with senior champion Nyowee Rose 55.

Andrew thought his senior line-up was a bit vulnerable so he was quite surprised by how well they went.

“I used a bull last year called Oliver P over most of the show cows and we had a very poor conception rate so our regulars didn’t calve at the right time,” he said.

“Silver Finch had been milking for 11 months but we seem to be able to get her up at any stage of lactation.

“Nyowee rose calved in January and she was a bit stale but she was in good form for the Jersey classes; we had a bit of

trouble getting her up for the interbreed.”

Andrew said he has intentions of being more organised next year and is hoping he won’t be breaking cows in a week before the show.

“I am a bit of a lone ranger here on the farm,” he said.

“We don’t have staff and everyone goes off in different directions — we certainly wouldn’t be able get to Adelaide without the help of our three girls. It is a real family effort and there is so much paperwork to do these days and thankfully the girls do all of that for us.”

The Koch family also breeds Holsteins but only one of those made it to the show — she placed second in the four-yearin-milk class and was awarded best udder of class.

Andrew said he was impressed with the overall quality of stock on show this year.

“I would really like to commend all the breeders on the quality of stock considering the season we have had — the Holsteins and Illawarras were particularly brilliant and the vibe in the shed was amazing. We had a really good number of entries this year.”

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// 27

BRAELEE BP

Dairymaid 2 EX 92 (EX96 DS)

1 Aged cow in-milk & 1st Best Udder st

SENIOR CHAMPION ILLAWARRA

84mths, 13,713L 404KgP, 608KgF in 305D Sire: Blackwood Park Blitz

GLENBROOK

Belle 57 VG

1st 5yr old in-milk

RES SENIOR CHAMPION 31mths, 7893L, 262KgP, 348KgF in 305D

Sire: Glenbrook General

GLENBROOK

Gracie 24

1st 2.5yrs in-milk

RES INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION

Sire: Glenbrook General Exhibited by Rupert Gazzola, owned by IL & JA Mueller

GLENBROOK

Venus 37 VG 86

1st 2yrs in-milk Dam: Glenbrook Venus 29 Granddam: Glenbrook Venus 19 Sire: Three Creeks Verbenas Viper

All in at Adelaide Royal

“We at Glenbrook Illawarras would like to thank everybody from interstate and locally that helped us at the 2019 Royal Adelaide show, with a special thanks to Jackie Davies for fitting our cows.”

GLENBROOK

Belle 63 VG 85

1 3yr in-milk st

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION ILLAWARRA & RESERVE SUPREME 24mths, 9714L, 319KgP, 370KgF in 305D Sire: Three Creeks Verbenas Viper

AT A RECENT CLASSIFICATION TOUR IN AUGUST 2019 GLENBROOK CATTLE RECEIVED 6 EX SCORES GLENBROOK RHAPSODY 46 EX93 64mths, 9908L, 288KgP, 351KgF in 305D GLENBROOK FANCY 15 EX90 80mths, 12,377L, 399KgP, 456KgF in 305D BRAELEE BP DAIRYMAID 2 EX92 84mths, 13,713L, 404KgP, 608KgF in 305D CLAREFIELD MILLIONS POPPY EX91, 99mths, 10,653L, 330KgP, 291KgF in 305D GLENHAVEN THORN 20 EX92 139mths, 12,029L, 395 KgP, 469KgF in 305D still active in our herd at 18 years of age.

OVENSDALE BEAUTY 383 EX92 (EX97 DS) 67mths, 12,794L, 432 KgP, 514KgF in 305D

EACHAMVALE

Cindy 45

1 2yr old dry st

JUNIOR CHAMPION ILLAWARRA

Sire: Silverleigh Manhattan

GLENBROOK

Tiddlewinks 28

1st 18-24mths dry

RES JUNIOR CHAMPION ILLAWARRA IAN, JULIE, RYAN, TRENT & EMILY MUELLER Murray Bridge SA | P – 0488 321 489 E – glenbrook123@bigpond.com

Sire: Llandovery Stells Secret Exhibited by Rupert Gazzola, owned by IL & JA Mueller

ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES | IMAGES: DEAN MALCOLM

// Shows

ADELAIDE ROYAL

showing what it takes

Ian Mueller with Juvenile Champion Eacham Vale Cindy.

Ayrshire best udder Boldview Face Ripple.

Udder scanning is compulsory before the in milk classes enter the ring.

asey Treloar with Juvenile Champion C Ayrshire Finesse Lady Martha.

Line-up in the popular Ayrshire class.

T rent Mueller with Illawarra Intermediate Champion Glenbrook Venus 37.

Chelsea Schultz with Bellview Vanahelm Fowler.

olstein Juvenile Champion Misty Brea H Diamondback May led by Andrew Paciti (left) with Mandy and Gino Paciti.

Young handlers (L-R) Shae Tweddle, Maddie Bicknell and Connor Tweddle.

30 //

Holstein judge Lisa McKay shares her knowledge with young handlers at the show.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

JERSEY CHAMPIONS OF ADELAIDE ROYAL 2019

Ashtaney Blackstone Silverfinch ex 93 1st mature cow in-milk RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION COW

MOST SUCCESSFUL ALL BREEDS EXHIBITOR (LAST 4 OUT OF 5 YEARS) PRODUCTION WINNER IN EVERY ELIGIBLE CLASS 1ST PLACE IN ALL IN-MILK CLASSES

Dam:Ashtaney Jude Silverfinch Daughters; A. Gun Silverbell EX 91, A. Elton Silverdream

NYOWEE ROSE 55 EX 92

AShtaney tequila perfect

1st 6yr in-milk SENIOR CHAMPION COW Sire: Vanahlem Dam: Nyowee Rose 47 VG 87 Daughters: Ashtaney Edison Ruby VG 87 ASHTANEY FIRE ROXY (1st baby calf class 2019)

1st 2yr in-milk RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION Dam: Ashtaney Sandblast Pippa EX 91 Daughter: Ashtaney Oliver Perfection

AShtaney FLOODGATE TINSEL VG 87

1st 3yr in-milk Best Udder of show INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION Dam:Ashtaney Jude Tiny EX 91 Daughter: Ashtaney Bontino Tahnee

other placings

HM INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION - ASHTANEY GOTCHA FERN (JUNIOR CHAMPION 2018) From the Fernleaf family at Bushlea RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION - ASHTANEY VIRAL ASHA A big thank you to our fitters Michael, Ryan and William for another very successful Adelaide Royal ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES | IMAGES: BRADLEY CULLEN

Ashtaney JERSEYS

Well done to all the other exhibitors of every breed at Adelaide Royal.

An excellent effort, beautiful cattle in a very trying year.

Glenunga

HOLSTEINS

Andrew, Angela, Ashleigh, Taylah, & Courtney Koch

415 Lindsay Park Rd, Moculta, SA 5353

(p) 08 8563 9025 (m) 0428 101 756 (e) aakoch@bigpond.com

// Shows

ADELAIDE ROYAL

showing what it takes

Tweddle team triumphs I

t was a case of blue ribbon after blue ribbon for Glencoe’s Benlargo Holsteins at this year’s Adelaide Royal.

The family had an overwhelmingly successful show taking out interbreed champions across the board.

Angela Tweddle knew she had a pretty good team packed into the truck — she just wasn’t expecting it to be quite this good.

Senior champion Benlargo Sid Furry had made the trip across to Victoria earlier in the year for the Winter Fair where she was awarded honourable mention, so Angela was confident she would perform.

It was a different story for Benlargo Elijah Ding who was broken in only a month before the show.

Elijah Ding heralds from the Ding family and, in particular, Tiger Farms SG Ding, who was a former International Dairy Week Champion.

SG Ding also won supreme champion at Adelaide.

“This family has bred on very well for us,” Angela said.

Sid Furry was imported by Benlargo as an embryo — the rest of the team was bred

by Angela and Ben. WHO IS BEN? Angela said it had been a lot of hard work getting the show team up to scratch, particularly breaking in three milkers.

Daughter Shae also shared in the

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE CHAMPION: Finesse Lady Martha, Casey Treloar

luck with her 10-month-old Jersey heifer, Merseybank Tequila Song, crowned supreme junior champion.

“Shae always wanted a Jersey but we told her she wasn’t allowed — Tequila is the only Jersey we have on the place,” Angela laughed.

Shae was lucky enough to be given Tequila from Jess Heazlewood and Lisa McKay. Shae also won junior handler and now has an Ayrshire calf to add to her team.

Angela said Benlargo would be making the trip back to Victoria for International Dairy Week.

“The cows we have in our team are all stale so it will be with a different team but while our kids Connor and Shae are interested, we will keep it up.”

RESERVE JUVENILE: Glenbrook Twiddlewinks 28, Rupert Gazzola INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Glenbrook Venus 37, IL and JA Mueller Reserve intermediate: Glenbrook Gracie 24, SENIOR CHAMPION: Braelee BP Dairymaid 2 First, IL and JA Mueller RESERVE SENIOR: Glenbrook Belle 57, IL and JA Mueller

JERSEY

JUVENILE CHAMPION: Billabowrie Pistol Lainey, Manga Dairy

RESERVE JUNIOR: Ashtaney Viral Asha, AP and AM Kcoh

RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION: Keywyn Beau Abby, Kerwyn Farms

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION JERSEY: Ashtaney Floodgate Tinsel, AP and AM Kcoh

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Brookleigh Legend Blessing, Amy Cleggett RESERVE INTERMEDIATE: Brookleigh Dessert, LF and JM Cleggett SENIOR CHAMPION: Brookleigh Jocelyn, LF and JM Cleggett RESERVE CHAMPION: Joshlee Pav Blossum, Joyce, Steve and Renee

HOLSTEIN

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Enterprise H B Lorna, D Wallis and B Liebich

RESERVE JUVENILE: Billabong McCutchen Sparkle, Billabong Farm

RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Boldview Enterprise Burdette Gaiety 2nd

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Benlargo Elijah Ding, Benlargo Holsteins

RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION: Cher-Bar Burdette Secret, Boldview Farms

JUVENILE CHAMPION: Eacham Vale Cindy 45, IL and JA Mueller

FEATURE BREED GUERNSEY

JUVENILE CHAMPION: Misty Brae Diamondback May, Misty Brae Holdings

SENIOR CHAMPION: Magic Park Shady Maiden, Munden Farms

ILLAWARRA

JUVENILE CHAMPION Jersey, Merseybank Tequila Song, Shae Tweddle

RESERVE JUVENILE: Ben-E-Geez Freebeer Rose, BG and CJ Hentschke

BEST UDDER: Boldview Face Ripple, Boldview Farms

32 //

Senior champion Benlargo Sid Furry, (L-R) Angela Tweddle, son Connor, leader Kelly Bleijendaal, judge Lisa McKay and Shae Tweddle front.

RESERVE INTERMEDIATE: Arrowstar Doorman Summer Imp ET, Windy Vale Holsteins SENIOR CHAMPION: Benlargo Sid Furry, Benlargo Holsteins RESERVE SENIOR: Empire Brook Paris ET

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

RESERVE INTERMEDIATE: Ashtaney Tequila Perfect, AP and AM Kcoh SENIOR CHAMPION JERSEY: Nyowee Rose 55, AP and AM Kcoh RESERVE CHAMPION: Ashtaney Blackstone Silverfinch, AP and AM Koch

YOUTH SHOW CHAMPION JUNIOR YOUTH SHOW HEIFER: Esjay Merlot Phemie, Esjay Hoslteins RESERVE CHAMPION: Finesse Lady Martha, Casey Trealor

SUPREME CHAMPION SUPREME JUVENILE CHAMPION: Merseybank Tequila Song, Shae Tweddle SUPREME INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Benlargo Elijah Ding, Benlargo Holsteins SUPREME CHAMPION DAIRY COW: Benlargo Sid Furry, Benlargo Holsteins MOST SUCCESSFUL DAIRY EXHIBITOR: AP and AM Koch

Springvale Enterprises ADELAIDE ROYAL 2019

Springvale Thelma 69

1 4yr in-milk Sire: Three Creeks Redgum Dam: SPRINGVALE THELMA 49 EX st

Bridgeview Moss Rose 4

2nd 2yr old in-milk Sire: Springvale Prides Anticipation Dam: BRIDGE VIEW MOSS ROSE 2

Springvale Fuchsia 35 EX 92 2nd Aged cow in-milk

HM SENIOR CHAMPION Sire: Springvale Brigadier Dam: FUCHSIA 21 VG 87

Bridgeview Lola

Juvenile Champion Brown Swiss, Sire: Jobo Wonder Bosephus Dam: MOUNTAIN VIEW LOL 8

SEMEN FOR SALE Springvale Joseph

$12 PER DOSE

Sire: Llandovery Dynamic EX 90 Dam: LLANDOVERY FUTURIAN JOAN EX 90

Springvale Enterprises ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES | IMAGES: DEAN MALCOLM

Warren, Cheryl, Damien, Michael and Adele Doecke 1337 Jervois Rd, Woods Points SA 5253 (P) 0417 804 663 Warren (E) doecke01@ozemail.com.au

// News

Urrbrae students Abbey Rigter (left) and Molly Casey were both part of the 2019 show team.

Bringing back tradition U

rrbrae Agricultural College has taken a team of young cattle to the Adelaide Show for the past four

years.

Assistant principle Ross Templeman said the college used to show cattle back in the 1970s and was looking to rejuvenate the tradition.

Ross said the program provided students with a different perspective and taught them about an alternate agricultural industry.

“We usually head to the country shows

New ABV release T

he August release of Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) and the upcoming joining season will have dairy farmers around the country thinking about the next best sires to use over their herds.

While breeding enthusiasts will delve into great detail and enjoy lengthy discussions with others, many dairy farmers want a simple process to make good breeding decisions.

DataGene caters to all ranges in the spectrum, publishing ABVs for 40 traits including production, type, health as well as the Balanced Performance Index (BPI)

34 //

around Adelaide and the Barossa and occasionally we will make the trip across to Melbourne,” Ross said.

Urrbrae takes animals on loan and works with them over a period of two terms.

Year 11 student Molly Casey has been involved with the program since Year 8 and she loves working with cows.

“It is a bit of fun and I have been able to meet lots of friends over the years,” she said. “It is a fairly popular team to be involved in and there are three of us who

feed the animals every lunch time.”

The Adelaide show team consisted of two Guernseys, two Ayrshires and an Illawarra — all heifers.

Abbey Rigter, 14, joined the club because she thought it was one of the best out of the 14 on offer.

“It’s fun and a good experience and I like working with the cattle,” Abby said.

There are more than 1000 students enrolled at Urrbrae.

which combines in a single figure the key traits that influence a cow’s contribution to the dairy business. The simplest way to choose bulls is to look for the Good Bulls icon; these bulls meet DataGene’s minimum criteria for BPI and reliability and are available for purchase.

Both the breeding enthusiast and the pragmatic decision maker can have confidence that Australia’s genetic evaluation system delivers the best prediction of an animal’s performance under local dairying conditions.

Dr Matt Shaffer, DataGene CEO, said the Australian system was one of the best in the world because it is independent, underpinned by science and backed by big data.

“ABVs are based on Australian data to give the best possible prediction of an animal’s performance under Australian conditions. Other breeding values are

designed to give the best predictions for performance under their local conditions,” he said.

Each ABV run involves evaluating more than 66 million animal/trait combinations and 250 million observations in the Australian database.

“Overseas data enhances the Australian system however it is adjusted to allow for environment and management differences between countries.”

Multiple Australian studies have determined that higher genetic merit cows (based on BPI) produce more milk solids than their herdmates with lower genetic merit. They also last just as long, if not longer in the herd, debunking the theory that higher genetic merit cows are less fertile and less likely to last.

The August ABV release Good Bulls Guide are available from www.datagene.com.au

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

ADELAIDE ROYAL

SUPREMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BENLARGO ELIJAH DING VG 85@2YR 1st 2.5yr in milk INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION & SUPREME ALL BREEDS Member of Supreme All Breeds Pen of 3 Adelaide Royal 2019 -pictured above-

MERSEYBANK TEQUILA SONG

BENLARGO SID FURRY VG 89

1st Yearling & Rising Star JUNIOR CHAMPION & SUPREME ALL BREEDS Adelaide Royal 2019

1st 5yr old in milk SUPREME CHAMPION HOLSTEIN SUPREME ALL BREEDS CHAMPION Adelaide Royal 2019 HM SENIOR CHAMPION, VWF 2019 Daughters by SOLOMAN, UNIX & AWESOME

Owned by Shae Tweddle -pictured left-

-pictured above-

BENLARGO SEAVER JANET VG 86 3rd 4yr old in-milk, Adelaide Royal 2019

BENLARGO ATWOOD SUSAN EX 90 2nd Aged Cow in-milk, Adelaide Royal 2019 Member of Supreme All Breeds Pen of 3 CRUSH daughter just calved.

BENLARGO IMPRESS DING VG 88 3rd 5yr in-milk, Adelaide Royal 2019 Member of Supreme All Breeds Pen of 3

Thanks to Lucy, Rob, Bec, Mal, Kelly, Greg, Charlie, Shane, Brad, Shae, Connor & Maddy, for all their hard work at the show.

We were also very proud to be awarded SA YOUNG FARMERS OF THE YEAR 2019!

BENLARGO HOLSTEINS

ARTWORK: HAYLEY MENZIES

BEN & ANGELA TWEDDLE

Ben 0448563416 | Angela 0409019882 273 Glencoe West Rd Glencoe SA 5291 benlargo@bigpond.com

Queensland has the big Banana...

NSW has the big merino...

But South Australia has the...

BIG MOO

E

nter Big Moo, the Guernsey steer that stands head and shoulders above everyone and everything.

GOULBURN has its Big Merino and Ballina the Big Prawn. While Robertson dug up the Big Potato. And of course, there is always the good old Big Banana at Coffs Harbour.

But none of these compare to Glencoe’s Big Moo. Because while he is just as famous, best of all, he is the real deal.

Alive and breathing, he runs rings around all the other plastic and/or corrugated icons of the imagination.

Big Moo is a gentle giant — a now nineyear-old steer — who captured the hearts of his owners, Joanne and Phil Vines, in the depths of South Australia’s Lower SouthEast, when he was just a little calf.

A littler calf originally destined for the freezer.

“We raise calves for meat and Big Moo came to us as one of those,” Jo explained.

“He was quiet and gentle and it got to the stage where one of us said to the other ‘there is no way we can put him in the freezer’.

“And here he is nine years later,” she said.

“It was his temperament that made us keep him and then he just kept growing,” Jo laughed.

36 //

Growing beyond belief because Big Moo was born with gigantism, a random genetic condition caused by an overload of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

The couple had no idea he had the condition, nor that he would grow to around 190 cm tall (he could be 5 cm each side) and weigh in a hefty 1.5 t.

His appetite is also hefty to match, and Big Moo is currently eating his way through $100 worth of lucerne, grain and supplements — every week.

“We estimate he is around 1500 kg but he is so big we can’t get him through a crush,” she laughed.

All that weight is not great for Big Moo’s joints though and he does have a bit of a problem with arthritis but regular injections sponsored by animal health company 4Cyte help keep that under control.

“You might think this sounds like Big Moo is not in good condition but he is as bright as a button. You should see him when he’s chasing me down the paddock after his bucket of breakfast,” she said.

It didn’t take Jo and Phil long to work out Big Moo was going to outgrow their three quarter of an acre suburban block so three years ago they purchased an additional — and specialist — Moo block, where he happily roams around five acres.

“Big Moo is a spectacle in his paddock but it is hard to get through how

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

extraordinarily big he is until you start walking toward him — as you get closer, he just looms up in front of you,” she laughed.

Thousands of people have visited Big Moo and he has more than 2700 Facebook fans.

Big Moo also has a great community spirit and has raised thousands of dollars through cow pat lottery and Moo view days for charities including Stand Like Stone Foundation, Riding for the Disabled and Heartkids.

But now Jo and Phil are seeking the wider community’s help to build a $10 000 shed (through GoFundMe) for Big Moo. “One of the main comments we get from his fans is ‘Moo needs a shelter’ and that’s exactly what we want to do — put up a nice big shed in his paddock for shelter all year round. Our estimates put the cost for a 6 m x 6 m x 3 m all-weather and galeproof structure at $10 000, which includes a laser light roof and cement floor.

“Basically, we can’t afford to do it ourselves.

“We bought the block of land for him because he’d eaten us out of house and home and now we have two mortgages.

We are putting a lot of money into feeding him because he has lost a bit of weight but his personal comfort is the most important thing in the world to us,” Jo said.

BREED SOCIETY NEWS:

GUERNSEY President’s message Guernsey Cattle Society of Australia Incorporated President: Laurie Dunne 572 Round Mountain Road, Josephville via Beaudesert QLD 4285 Phone: 07 5544 2193 Email: fernybank.dunne@gmail.com Senior Vice President: Julie Moore 392 Fernbrook Loop Road, Dorrigo NSW 2453 Phone: 02 6657 3264 Email: julienmick@bigpond.com Junior Vice President: Sean Tomkins PO Box 361, Gerringong NSW 2534 Phone: 0458 049 805 Email: alembry75@gmail.com Secretary: Joyce Cleggett Box 54 Glencoe SA 5291 Phone: (08) 8739 4368 Email: guernseyaus@activ8.net.au Society web: www.guernseyaus.com

Coming Events ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW Saturday, September 21 to Tuesday, October 1 PERTH ROYAL SHOW Dairy Cattle Judging Thursday, October 3 ROYAL LAUNCESTON SHOW Thursday, October 10 ROYAL GEELONG SHOW Thursday, October 17 to Sunday, October 20 IDW 2020 Sunday, January 19, 2020 to Thursday, January 23, 2020

T

hank you for the privilege of being president of the Guernsey Cattle Society of Australia for the past three years. It has been a very enjoyable journey for me, being involved with the progress of the breed.

During that time, the GCSA has increased membership, won the Nation Milk Awards for the past three consecutive years, plus other major awards for milk quality, and National and State awards for products made from Guernsey milk.

Due to the increased interest in the Guernsey cow by commercial and stud breeders, we have experienced record prices at sales, higher overall sale averages — all during tough times.

The Guernsey Breed has also taken out Supreme All Breeds Awards at regional and Royal Shows, indicating the continuing progression of our breed type and production.

Thank you to all exhibitors who have shown Guernsey cattle, breeders who offered cattle for sale and all dairy farmers who milk Guernsey cows — without you we would not have achieved these accolades, thank you for your help in promoting the Guernsey breed.

Congratulations to the Hayden Family for your most recent success at Brisbane Royal, winning the All Breeds Best Udder section. The Crawford Family for your All Breeds Champion Cow win at Nowra, Moore Family for your All Breeds Production win at Sydney and to all who continue to support the breed at shows.

Congratulations to all exhibitors and place getters at all shows.

Guernsey Sale 2020: Breeders, keep your eye out in the calf and heifer paddock for milkers in the dairy herd or embryo packages for entries into the 2020 IDW Guernsey Sale. Brian Russell, the sale co-ordinator, has been in touch with most people re sale entries but if you haven’t spoken to Brian yet, please give him a ring on 0427 743 127.

A very big thank you to Virginia Mall and Cassandra Custance for the time they have invested into the social media exposure of the Guernsey Cow. This has created a far greater awareness of the breed with information and updates for all events happening, and the general exposure of our breed has been fantastic here in Australia and overseas.

Thank you to Joyce Cleggett for your continued devotion and support to the Guernsey breed in your roll as secretary, other commitments you undertake for the GCSA and representing the GCSA at the World Conference.

A thank you to all other people who have assisted the GCSA or myself in any way during my term in office.

The future always presents challenges: in attending on behalf of the GCSA meetings involving all dairy breeds, I feel we should continue to explore as a united group the possibility of reducing these challenges.

Thanking you.

Kindest regards, Graeme (Darby) Norris Past president GCSA.

Federal AGM and Council meetings

T

he Guernsey Society held their AGM and Federal Council meeting during the Royal Adelaide Show and Mr Laurie Dunne, from Queensland was elected as our new Federal President.

We would like to thank our past president Mr Graeme Norris for the time and effort he put into the Society over the last three years.

We also elected Mrs Julie Moore as Senior Vice President and Mr Sean Tomkins as Junior Vice President.

Miss Ollie Abblitt continues in her role as our Treasurer. Miss Frances Hayden from Queensland was elected as the new Youth Co-ordinator taking over from Mrs Valerie Gardam of Tasmania who has done an

excellent job in promoting our youth at IDW. The SA/WA Branch of the Guernsey Society held a very successful auction, raising over $1300, with the proceeds going to our youth fund which supports a Guernsey youth to attend the World Conference held every three years.

This year’s recipient was Grant Gallus from Victoria who attended the World conference held in America in July 2019.

He had a fantastic time and would recommend going to a World conference to anyone who gets the chance.

The next conference is to be held in England in 2022.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// 37

// BREED SOCIETY NEWS: GUERNSEY

Big year for Bruanna B

ruanna Guernseys, bred and owned by the Hayden Family from Pilton, Qld, capped off a spectacular year winning the supreme udder award at the Royal Queensland Show with Bruanna Frances 12th.

This second-calving three-year-old is

by Canadian-bred sire Lindrian Grumpy Pilot. She was previously named champion Guernsey cow and best udder by breed judge Steve Joyce from Kyabram in Victoria.

The Guernsey breed has not seen a supreme at Brisbane since 1990, when Kookaburra D Bookabooda took the supreme cow award.

Herdmate Bruanna Marmonte Reo took reserve, with nine-year-old matron Shadow Valley TS Joondoomba as honourable mention.

Results

Junior Champion Bruanna Superman Spring with judge Steve Joyce and handler Frances Hayden.

CHAMPION COW AND BEST UDDER: Bruanna Frances 12th, Lindrian Grumpy Pilot — Hayden family.

RESERVE CHAMPION: Bruanna Marmonte Reo, Faria Farms G Monte — Hayden family.

HONOURABLE MENTION: Shadow Valley TS Joondoomba, Homehill Trotacre Sengate — J and J O’Donohoe.

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION: Shadow Valley PV Abby, Glencrest Phoenix Victor — J and J O’Donohoe.

RESERVE CHAMPION: Shadow Valley PV Carol, Glencrest Phoenix Victor — J and J O’Donohoe.

Intermediate Champion Shadow Valley PV Abby.

M embers of the Hayden family — Elizabeth, Brendan, Frances on halter, and Corrie; trophy donor from JEFO Wayne Bradshaw, and a RNA representative.

HONOURABLE MENTION: Bruanna Aaron Levi Spice, Maradore Aaron Levi — Hayden family.

JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER: Bruanna Superman Spring, Faria Farms Crunch Superman — Hayden family.

RESERVE CHAMPION: Bruanna Frances 13th, Bruanna Prada — Hayden family.

HONOURABLE MENTION: Wyrallah Prada Rhianna, Golden Gate Prada Kakadu — A and L McConnell.

Best Udder (L-R) Bruanna Frances 12th, Shadow Valley TS Joondoomba and Bruanna Marmonte Reo.

38 //

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// BREED SOCIETY NEWS: GUERNSEY

Guernseys shine at Gatton

I

t was a quality line-up of cattle for the 10th anniversary of the Queensland Dairy Spectacular at Gatton.

Guernseys from five exhibitors impressed judge Allan Clark from Sunny Valley in Lismore with their quality and condition, especially considering drought conditions still prevail across much of south-east Queensland.

The O’Donohoe family team stood out in the senior classes, showing most of the in-milk cows, with strong competition in younger classes.

The Gaudian Trophy for Guernsey Parader was won by a competitor from Nambour State College.

The show society ensured strong sponsorship, with Richmond Dairies having naming rights and all prize returned to exhibitors with no administration fees.

Champion Cow: Shadow Valley Tiller Rosalie 2nd, Glencrest Tiller Tom — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

Reserve Champion and Best Udder: Shadow Valley Chad’s, Snowy Glencrest Chad — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

Honourable Mention: Shadow Valley Volume Three, Shadow Valley Bushranger — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

Results CHAMPION COW: Shadow Valley Tiller Rosalie 2nd, Glencrest Tiller Tom — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

RESERVE CHAMPION AND BEST UDDER: Shadow Valley Chad’s, Snowy Glencrest Chad — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

Champion Cows, Shadow Valley Tiller Rosalie 2nd owned by Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

HONOURABLE MENTION: Shadow Valley Volume Three, Shadow Valley Bushranger — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION AND BEST JUNIOR UDDER: Shadow Valley PV Abby, Glencrest Phoenix Victor — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

RESERVE CHAMPION: Shadow Valley PV Carol, Glencrest Phoenix Victor — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe) HONOURABLE MENTION: Shadow Valley GD Rosa, Glencrest Kringle Golddust — Jim and Janice O’Donohoe.

JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER: Tamborine Postoll’s Bunny Rabbit, Maradore Gary Postoll — Thomas Brook and Ludwig Family.

RESERVE CHAMPION: Fernybank Jimbo Delphi, Shadow Valley Chads Challenge — Laurie and Denise Dunne.

Junior champion(front) Tamborine Postoll’s Bunny Rabbit and Reserve Champion Fernybank Jimbo Delphi.

HONOURABLE MENTION: Fernybank Jimbo Amber, Shadow Valley Chads Challenge — Laurie and Denise Dunne.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

// 39

// News

// BREED SOCIETY NEWS: GUERNSEY

Guernseys say g’day to USA Australian representatives at the 2019 World Guernsey Conference, held in America.

T

he 2019 World Guernsey Conference was held in America through May and June and included a pre-tour in Texas, the conference in Pennsylvania and a post-tour in New York State.

Nine representatives from Australia made the trip, including: Colin Gilbert; Elda Peiters; Raelene Secomb; Leonie ‘Tups’ Maher; Lyndon, Joyce and Amy Cleggett; Courtney Walker; and Grant Gallus, our Australian youth scholarship recipient.

The tour included many interesting sights both Guernsey and tourist related and included visits to the Johnson Space Centre, ST Genetics (pioneers in sexing technology), a visit to AT and T Stadium — home of the Dallas Cowboys Football Team, and a rodeo.

The first Guernsey farm visit was to Lavon Farms who process milk from Springville Farm under the “Lucky Layla” brand. We tasted some exceptional drinking yogurt and had some real butter.

On Tuesday we travelled to the Dix Lee Farm in Phillipsburg, managed by Keith Dixon and his daughter Katie. Here we met Dix Lee Gargoyle Dela, an 18-year-old cow who has had 15 calves and is still milking.

After a delicious lunch we boarded the bus to Keokuk, Iowa, for the night, stopping on the way at a gas station where Colin broke off the door handle and got locked in the toilet!

On Wednesday we visited Knapps Guernseys, the home of Knapps Regis Tamborine Ex 95 and the next day we crossed the State line into Wisconsin with the Mississippi River in flood and had a busy day visiting three Guernsey farms: Lang Haven, Coulee Crest Farms and Prairie Cream Farm. We stayed at Eau Claire for two nights and on the Friday we visited the three Guernsey herds with Jensen connections: Jens Gold Farm — Dale, Teressa and Lyle; Golden J Guernseys — Trent and LeAnn; and Idle Gold Guernseys — Neil, Janice, Laura and Jillian. We also stopped in at Valley Gem Farms — Roy & Gina Grewe and Brandon & Kim Grewe. A great day of looking at good Guernsey cows.

Into the weekend and we visited Gurn Z Meadow, the home of the Orchard family, who use robots and also make delicious

40 //

flavoured butters, before stopping at Hoard’s Dairyman Farm. They also had robots that had only been working for three days and we thank Jason Yurs for his time as he hadn’t had much sleep during this period. The next day saw us in Northern Indiana at the Villa Crest Farm of Verl and Gretchen Weaver.

On Monday, June 3, we visited the heifer complex of ST Genetics in Ohio before travelling to the Ayars Family Farm dispersal sale at the Land of Living Farm. One of the heifers sold now has an Australian connection, being bought in a partnership of Elda Peiters, Digby Gribble and Brent Clements. Melinda Rushing of Paokie Guernseys joined our group on the bus and on Tuesday we were in Amish Country and had two nights at a beautiful hotel in Walnut Creek. We visited Pine Grove Guernseys and met with Reuben and Ester Miller and son Frederick and his wife Melissa. They bred Pine Grove Quebec Royal who came to Australia. After an evening meal together Reuben gave Joyce, Amy and Grant a buggy ride around the block.

The morning of Wednesday, June 5, we took Grant shopping before visiting Springhill Farm managed by Chris Lang and were impressed by their barns that housed the cows. Here we encountered our second tornado and had to shelter in the 100-year-old barn while it passed overhead. Thursday and we crossed into Pennsylvania to join the Trotters at Trotacre Farm for lunch. Jon White from England joined the tour and on Friday we got to see Meadows Racetrack and stables and watched the horses work out before visiting the Barnyard Petting Zoo and Wild World of Animals Private Zoo. We got to bottle feed the goats and one miniature zebra almost climbed up the steps of the bus. We got up close to a camel and were surprised by the aggressive ostrich. Lunch was at Twin Brook Farm with John and Becky Marchezak before heading to the home of John and Patty McMurray for a delicious dinner and entertainment.

The highlight of the night was a visit from Dolly Parton to sing happy birthday to a very embarrassed Colin Gilbert. In the ballroom a few of us tried to learn to

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

swing dance. The next morning Jocelynn and Tucker McMurray and Dave Trotter came with the group on the bus to travel to Maple Bottom Farm and meet Vickie, Mike, Lee and Clara Baker before heading to the Snider Homestead Farm, run by Berneta, Brad, Aaron and Amy Gable and the home of the descendants of Cedar Fringed Altann Ex95. That evening we enjoyed a pleasant meal provided by Chris and Beth of Misty Meadows Farm.

On Sunday, June 9, we travelled to Lancaster for the 16th World Guernsey conference to be held over the next three days. This included a visit to Warwick Manor Farm, run by Kevin & Dina Stolzfus, where we had more Guernsey ice cream and a demonstration of showmanship and classification before heading to Yoder’s Country Market to tour their factory. Topics discussed included genomics, American Guernsey youth programmes and a very funny look at estate and succession planning.

The post-conference tour started on Thursday, June 13, and it was wet and cold for our visit to Ripley Farms, run by Roland and Patty Ripley and family, for lunch complete with Guernsey ice cream and had a tour through their milk and cheese bottling plant as well as their herd. From here we travelled to Poughkeepsie, New York, for a three-night stay. On Friday we toured the US Military Academy at West Point. On our last day we visited Coon Brothers Farm and Dela Dairy Farm who milk their cows by robot. All their milk is processed and sold under the name Dutchess Creamery. We all enjoyed the ice cream and flavoured milk.

All of us who participated in the tour want to thank John and Patty McMurray for the effort they put in to making this a truly memorable and fantastic tour.

Although we were a small group, everyone got along with each other and even though the miles we travelled were many not one of us would have missed it for the world.

The next conference will be held in England in 2022 so start thinking about it now so that you can join in and have a wonderful time with fellow Guernsey people. It really is a memorable experience.

—Joyce Cleggett

// SIRE REPORT WORLD WIDE SIRES XXXX

F

ollowing the August 2019 sire summary, WWS remains the source of genetic excellence for Australian dairy farmers, whether you are looking to improve type, create value added pregnancies or boost profitability through increased production and efficiency.

As the No.1 TPI sire in the breed, 14HO07770 HELIX is the definition of daughter proven success. He is the total package with a profitable combination of high milk (+2254 PTAM), extreme fat (+0.17 per cent F, +133 lbs. F), and elite Feed Efficiency (+$279 FE). HELIX’s pedigree traces back to the famous brood cows Cookiecutter MOM Halo-ET (VG-88DOM) and Snow-N Denises Dellia (EX-95 2E-GMD-DOM). This prestigious and high scoring cow family translates into a noholes linear. He sires well-balanced cows, with impressive udders, strength and depth of rib, straight frames, and good feet and legs. However, his daughters aren’t the only ones exciting breeders. HELIX has transmitted his genetic excellence to sons 7HO14319 FORTE and 14HO07923 DOCTOR. FORTE is the complete package: extreme fat (+0.24 per cent F. +111 lbs.

F), excellent type (+2.25 PTAT) and udder health (2.64 SCS). He is an elite DWP$ sire (+$1121 DWP$) who will create value added pregnancies (+2.9 SCR). DOCTOR is a calving ease specialist and production improver (+1926 PTAM). He offers functional type (+2.37, +2.23 UDC) elite daughter fertility (+2.3 FI, +2.2 DPR) and outstanding SCR (+2.8 SCR).

250HO13267 DUKE is proving to be one of the breed’s best and most complete daughter-proven sires! Currently the No. 2 TPI sire at +2758 TPI, DUKE fits the needs of many dairy producers. Easily MONTROSS’s best son to date, he takes after his sire and is one of the breed’s best production bulls at +2798 PTAM and +229 lbs. CFP! DUKE creates pregnancies (+1.1 SCR) and sires profitable daughters (+$935 NM$, +$878 DWP$) that will stand the test of time. His daughter are cows with a lot of width and dairy strength that producers are asking for. They are moderate size with great open rib, beautiful udders and a tremendous will to milk.

Influencing the next generation of leaders, 7HO12788 FRAZZLED has impressed the industry with his genetic superiority. He is a total-profit sires and leads the WWS line-up with his elite DWP$ (+$1159 DWP$) and offers unparalleled production at +2158 PTAM. In addition to being the No. 4 TPI sire in the breed (+2731 TPI), FRAZZLED excels in health and fitness traits. He is one of the lowest SCS bulls in the breed (2.46 SCS) and offers extreme Productive Life at +7.9 PL. His daughters are balanced cows that cross well on many of the World Wide Sires bloodlines, particularly JEDI, MONTROSS and MOGUL and sons. FRAZZLED will add set to the rear leg and sires efficient, trouble-free cows with great udders (+1.68 UDC) that are suited for robot milkers.

MATT Daughter — Bulrush Matt Prada.

Frazzled Daughter Group Owned by Synergy.

FRAZZLED delivers what most commercial dairymen are going to love.

Elite Type sire 250HO12961 DOC is a 7HO12198 KINGBOY son from the heart of the Debutante Rae cow family and is currently the No.1 KINGBOY son for Type at +3.93 PTAT. He also improves production (+1565 PTAM), transmits positive component percentages, and represents an excellent cross on Goldwyn bloodlines. His calves around the globe create his extreme demand. They are tall, deep opened ribbed cattle with plenty of dairy strength and solid feet and legs (+2.15 FLC). Looking to the next generation of leaders, DOC has the ability to produce breed-leading sons like 250HO14579 HANCOCK. From the notable Cookiecutter Mog Hanker-ET, HANCOCK is an A2A2 sire who promises profitable production (+1484 PTAM), extreme type (+4.06 PTAT) and positive SCR. He is a logical choice to use on Doorman daughters.

From a great cow family with a proven track record, you can use 7JE01344 MATT with confidence to sire daughters with outstanding udders (+21.1 JUI) and the type breeders love (+1.5 PTAT). In addition to being the No.1 HWI and TWI sire, he is also the No.1 BPI sire (+265 BPI) with Australian milking daughters. With a +2.9 SCR, this IRWIN son creates the next generation of value added pregnancies. His daughters are moderate size with shallow udders, strong fore udder attachments, will stand the test of time (+3.8 PL) and are well suited for grazing markets.

From the time-tested Rosy family 7AY00111 REAGAN is a 7AY93 BERKELY son who delivers production and components. This A2A2 sire creates pregnancies with his elite +2.9 SCR and his early milking daughters have the Ayrshire world talking across the globe. ›› For more details, contact WWS Australia info@ wwsaustralia.com or call (03) 5831 5559.

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// SIRE REPORT XXXX GENETICS AUSTRALIA

MAEBULL leads Genetics Australia’s ABV highlights

Maebull 3214. Photo: Bradley Cullen.

Calister Maebull. Photo: Bradley Cullen.

H

olstein sire MAEBULL is the new number one daughter proven bull in the recent ABV run. His stable breeding value has held him in good stead as other challengers have fallen away with refinements to the ABV methodology. With 129 daughters in his production breeding value, MAEBULL provides a reliable balance of production, type, health and fertility. MAEBULL ticks all the key type boxes: lower pins, wider chests, shallow udders and longer teats. Outstanding ratings for cell count, fertility and heat tolerance round out the offering from this elite A22 sire.

JSMONTANA from the Jetstream

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stable is now adding daughters and the reports are very encouraging. This A22 sire delivers a balanced production profile from snug well attached udders. Great health and fertility will ensure that JSMONTANA has long-term appeal.

JSIMMENSE is a Jetstream bull that should appeal to those looking for elite type performance. JSIMMENSE leads the way at 4.02 Type and. A Jacoby son whose pedigree tracks back to Our-Favorite Atwood Unlimited EX94 96MAM, via a VG87 (89point Mammary) 2-year-old daughter of Beemer, it is not surprising that JSIMMENSE is capturing the imagination of the Type fraternity.

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Jersey sire DOUGGAN retains his #1 ranking from the April ABV’s and remains your premium choice for Jersey genetics!

DOUGGAN emphasizes dairy strength and is an exceptional component improver with strong health and fertility scores.

The Genetics Australia Jersey bull team continues to go from strength to strength with some exciting bulls coming through the system.

Genetics Australia dominant Jersey team also includes the #1 proven sire IRWIN, thanks to our partnership with World Wide Sires US. ›› Semen is available through Genetics Australia and your local semen reseller.

Out of the ashes N

o two days are ever the same on a dairy farm, every dairy farmer can attest to that.

But on St Patrick’s Day last year, the Dickson family, Bryan, Jo and daughters Rachel, Jacque, Anna and Leah from Emu Banks Holsteins, had one they will never forget — when the St Patrick’s Day fires encircled their dairy operation, not just one front, but both the Garvoc and Terang fires.

Bryan maintains the family and the business were very lucky, ‘only’ losing 390 ha of pasture, 800 rolls of hay, 60 km of fencing and a couple of bulls — especially considering the fire at one point was chasing Bryan up the laneway as he moved the cows to the safety of the dairy.

“We are fine because we didn’t lose any cows but if we had of, we would have been in far worse shape both mentally and physically. We just lost possessions and things that could be replaced — no one died, and we are very lucky,” Bryan said.

Bryan said when the fires hit, he was simply too busy to be frightened.

“I was trying to get the milkers back to the dairy and the fire was up our ass as we were chasing them up the lane,” he said.

“Luckily for us, it hit the maize crop and moved in another direction. We didn’t know a maize crop wouldn’t burn, and the two separate crops we had ended up saving us twice.”

The dairy operation spreads across various properties, including the home farm at Terang, which lost 240 ha of grass, and two lease properties: one at Elingamite, which lost 80 ha, and the second dairy, which lost 60 ha.

The heifers were on the Elingamite farm and aside from a bit of singed hair, all escaped unscathed.

The dry cows were put on a ploughedup sacrifice paddock and the fire also went around them.

Bryan was also told he had lost the entire 330 cow herd and the house on the second dairy farm and it was certainly with some trepidation when he drove into that property the next day, but thankfully everything was OK. “We just had luck everywhere, while sadly one of my mates lost 300 cows,” Bryan said.

Bryan said the fact he was heavily insured was definitely another saving grace.

“It depends how comfortable you are with risk, but I was one of the top three people hit by the fires, but I had the best insurance cover. I didn’t even ring the company — they contacted me Sunday, had an assessor out Monday morning and we had money in the bank by Wednesday to replace our lost hay.” >>

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// News

The Dickson family – Bryan, Leah, Anna, Jacque, Jo and Rachel (front) — has had a year of rebuilding after the St Patrick’s Day fires decimated their Gippsland properties last year. The family has a firm love of showing and attended this years Winter Fair.

<< Aside from prioritising the welfare of the stock, Bryan said the other thing they focused on saving was the silage pit.

“The CFA wouldn’t protect it because it wasn’t considered an asset,” he said. “I tried to point out it was probably worth $500 000 but my neighbour stood there with a fire fighting unit and protected it for me.”

And with about 1300 milkers to feed, saving the silage pit was definitely a priority.

Bryan said the fires hit the business at their busiest time of the year — autumn calving — and added an additional workload that didn’t ease up.

“It was just go, go, go for months,” he said. “We blew our wage bill out by $80 000 because there was just so much to do and we also ended up with a $15 000 fine from Workcover because we didn’t estimate our wage bill correctly; luckily insurance covered that as well.”

Today things are back to normal and the family are doing what they do best, milking cows.

44 //

They also spent a week at this year’s Winter Fair.

Showing runs deeply through the Emu Banks Stud.

The four sisters have been doing it for the last decade, at first with help from Jo and family friend Beth Schulz but now mostly themselves.

Rachel has the eye, Leah is the parador, Anna’s the clipper and while Jacque’s heart isn’t in it as much as the other three, she still helps out whenever she is needed.

The girls each have their own stud, which are spread across Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss and Illawarra, and they regularly take their own animals to International Dairy Week.

They usually spend a good few months getting their animals ready, which can be any combination of the breeds listed above.

Emu Bank Navara Bubbly was their first highly successful show cow, winning intermediate Jersey champion at Melbourne quite a few years ago.

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Emu Banks Commander Elisa 8201ET is their most successful Holstein, winning the junior three-year old class and best udder in class at the Victorian Winter Fair this year.

“Brad and Jess Gavenlock prepared Elisa for the month before the Winter Fair with the girls helping during Winter Fair Week, “ Jo said.

The girls have also helped out Benleigh Brown Swiss, owned by the Wake family, at the Sydney Royal Show, and Glomar Holsteins, owned by the Johnston family, at the Royal Melbourne Show.

The girls have had their own individual success as well.

“Leah won handlers at IDW two years ago and got reserve this year,” Jo said.

“Rachel is the judge and she is the one who usually picks the animals out and she is pretty good at it,” Anna said. “Showing is fun socially because you get to see people you don’t normally see, and we get to come with our cows that we love.”

BREED SOCIETY NEWS:

ILLAWARRA Illawarra Cattle Society of Australia President: Ian Mueller 0488 321 489 Secretary: Anne Ryan PO Box 189, Kiama NSW 2533 Phone: (02) 4232 3333 Email: anne@lbcentre.com.au Field Officer: Lloyd Peters PO Box 43, Wyalla Plaza Toowoomba QLD 4350 Phone: 0429 834 646 Email: lloyd_au@hotmail.com Web: www.illawarrasaust.com.au

President’s message

I

n my previous report I highlighted my concerns about milk prices and the extremely dry summer and autumn conditions. Milk processors are showing strong demand and the price has improved but the increase may only allow farmers to meet current commitments. To carry out farm upgrades and to reduce debt we will still need strong prices in future years.

Some parts of southern Australia have had good rains but many parts of New South Wales and Queensland are extremely dry and I hope that relief will come to those regions with good rains in the not too distant future.

In June the Rubyvale and Hazelmount herds were dispersed in Victoria. The very pleasing result of this sale was the amount of interest in Illawarras and the amount of new buyers who purchased that were not Illawarra members. I wish them all the very best with their purchases.

I had the pleasure of being invited to judge the Illawarras at Gatton show in Queensland in July. Approximately 80 to 90 Illawarras were entered for the show which would make it one of the biggest Illawarra shows in the country.

The overall quality and bloom of the cattle was extremely good and to all the exhibitors I say thank you for making this show such

a spectacle. I would also like to thank the Gatton show society for the way they look after the exhibitors and the sponsorship that they attract.

Congratulations to all the winners and special mention to the Illawarra exhibitors of the Supreme Champion Cow and the Supreme Intermediate Cow. I was given the opportunity to visit seven Illawarra studs on the Darling Downs. The impact of the drought in this region is very noticeable with water restrictions, very little paddock feed and the very high cost of fodder (If you can find it). We hope and pray that your season turns around very soon.

It was a wonderful achievement to see the Illawarra breed standout at Brisbane Ekka and win supreme champion junior heifer with Allen Vale Linda 40th, supreme champion intermediate with Eachamvale Erin 4 and supreme champion dairy cow Eacham Vale Precious 7.

Our Federal Council and AGM Meetings will be held in the Kiama region in October and I thank our members who continue to promote Illawarras and assist in the administration of the society.

Thank you.

Ian Mueller

Trent Mueller with Illawarra Intermediate Champion Glenbrook Venus 37.

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// BREED SOCIETY NEWS: ILLAWARRA

Bremer View’s comeback kid T

he Follett name has been associated with Illawarras for well over 80 years and Thomas Follett, 17, is determined to continue the family legacy.

Bremer View Illawarra Stud was established in 1932 by Len Follett, but the family’s South Australian dairy history goes back even further to when Tom’s great-great grandfather Alfred John won champion milking Shorthorn in 1914.

While dairying has always been strong in the Follett family, in 1992 the Bremer View stud was dispersed as the family decided to focus on a different path and their award-winning Lake Breeze winery.

But the urge to dairy has always been strong in Tom. “Ever since I was young, I have adored cows and just love working with them,” Tom said.

“I was given a calf by Ian Mueller, which I started showing in 2013 and that was when I really started breeding Illawarras.”

Tom has been busy searching for original Bremer View lines as his herd foundation and has managed to purchase some cows from the Belle, Queenette and Lily families.

“These are three of the major families still around, but the Lily family have been the hardest ones to find. The Belles are very strong and can be found in Illawarra herds all around Australia.”

Tom has found his early foray into breeding and showing a little challenging

Ken Follett (left) with grandson Tom, who is determined to revive the Bremer View Illawarra Stud, which was dispersed in 1992.

as his numbers are a little limited, but he hopes to one day have a herd big enough to show, but small enough to remain family run.

“I have bought the odd one and bred a few myself and I like to show at all the country shows in and around Adelaide,” he said.

At this year’s Adelaide Show he managed a second place in the two-year-

old dry heifer class with Bremer View Queenette 49.

Looking to the future, Tom is hoping to run his own dairy farm and value-add to the family wine business by making his own cheese.

“My family are happy for me to follow this path and happy for me to one day make cheese to go with our wines.”

Toowoomba Show Illawarra Results.

CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER: Tara Lace 14 — MJ and GJ Henry.

Eulogy:

RESERVE CHAMPION: Tara Glimmer 4 — MJ and GJ Henry.

Joyce Whatman

J

oyce Whatman, of Kangaloon died April 30, 2019, aged 93.

Joyce and her husband, Chad, had four children, Gloria, Ross (now deceased), Allen and Neville.

Chad died from a massive heart attack when Allen — who would go on to establish the extremely successful

Allen Vale prefix with his wife, Denise — was just 15 years old. Joyce farmed on the same property for 70 years under her Illawarra prefix, Allen Park. She showed at many shows and won many champions. She is sadly missed by family and friends.

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER: Jondene Kay 19 — FS Johnston and Sons.

RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER: Waraba Cindy 3, — R and J Lindsay.

CHAMPION COW: Silverleigh Pixie 34 (ET) — DB and LD Priebbenow.

RESERVE CHAMPION COW: Riverwood Coral 3 — Ledger Family.

MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR: Tara Lace 14 — MJ and GJ Henry.

SUPREME EXHIBIT: Silverleigh Pixie 34 (ET) — DB and LD Priebbenow.

RESERVE SUPREME INTERMEDIATE: Ardylbar Ivan Ellie — May, AD and WJ Barron.

46 //

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

BREED SOCIETY NEWS: ILLAWARRA //

Illawarra team wins at Adelaide I

t was a wonderful Adelaide show for the Mueller family of Glenbrook Illawarra with Glenbrook animals taking a clean sweep of the event.

Ian Mueller said while he enjoys the accolades, he also gets the same amount of enjoyment out of seeing others do well, as was the case for Rupert Gazzola.

Rupert leased a couple of Glenbrook animals and won reserve juvenile champion with Glenbrook Tiddlewinks 28 and reserve intermediate champion with Glenbrook Gracie 24.

Max and Lillie Migel have also had success with two year old in milk Glenbrook Petal 28 who was last year’s reserve junior champion — Adelaide.

“As we are getting that bit older it is really good to see young people interested in Illawarra’s and having success at the shows — we want to encourage young people into the stud dairy industry because it is shrinking and the more we encourage them, the better it will be,” Ian said.

Jackie Davies had a heifer yearling class win with Glenbrook Rhapsody, an animal the Mueller family gave to her last year.

Ian said the 2019 Glenbrook string was one of the most uniform teams they had put together in quite a few years.

He said senior champion Braelee BP Dairymaid 2 and intermediate Glenbrook Belle 63 were in great form and bloom.

“Dairymaid is an overall, balanced,

Senior Champion Illawarra Braelee BP, best udder Dairymaid.

mature dairy cow and I don’t think there was another cow in the ring who could have matched her for capacity, bone quality and depth of rib. She also has a very good udder for an aged cow and she has been a very successful cow for us.”

Dairymaid’s production also sits at a phenomenal 13 713 litres and 608 kg fat,

404 kg protein in 305 days.

Intermediate champion Belle 63 was another standout animal at the show with Ian describing her as a milk machine.

“This was the most uniform team we have had across the board and to win most successful exhibitor capped off a great show for us.”

Loka aims high

The Ekka’s 2019 Dairy Cattle Young Judges Competition runner-up Jerry English, QCAS director Monica Skerman and winner Loka Manu.

L

oka Manu is only young but he knows exactly what he wants and that is to one day breed a champion cow at International Dairy Week or the Winter Fair.

He might be starting out with one

Holstein and two Illawarras in his studs Woodstock Park (Holstein) and Woodstock (Illawarra) but it is his ultimate dream and he is working hard to achieve it.

Loka has spent his life on and off around dairying and his earliest memories centre around getting up to milk the cows with his grandfather.

At eight he started milking cows independently and he has been doing it ever since.

“It’s all I have ever wanted to do and as I get older, I am loving it more and more,” Loka said.

Loka was introduced to the showing side of dairy through Stephen Ledger when he went to his first show 16 months ago at Gympie, a fortnight later he did some strapping for Stephen where he ended up

winning supreme champion.

“I hope that one day my own showing will take me to the elite level at IDW or the Winter Fair,” he said.

While Loka prefers a Holstein over an Illawarra for type, he fell in love with the Illawarra breed when he was introduced to them at the Ledger family farm last year.

He was fortunate to get his first Illawarra at the start of the year.

He is currently studying a Cert 3 in agriculture and has been working with the Ledger family full time for nearly a year.

He had an outstanding Ekka and won the state final of young judges, came third in the young leaders, led the champion heifer in the youth show and was captain of the winning team in the Stan Paulger youth team competition.

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// Sales

Andy Lostroh, with wife, Cathy and Sophie Lostroh (right) and Jemma Lostroh, at the Shepparton Regional Saleyards.

Herds dispersed Cloverton

The dispersal of the Cloverton British Friesian herd at the Shepparton Selling Centre by Elders Finley recently saw a strong crowd pay a sale average of $1485, with the A2 portion of the herd selling for $1600.

Buyers from as far afield as the Cole family from Forbes in NSW and others from East Gippsland contributed to the sale.

Top price of the day was $2100 paid by the Nicholas family from Biggara. Local Goulburn Valley farmers were also in the market with the Talarico family securing a beautiful group of cows.

The Lostroh family moved to Blighty in the southern Riverina in 1983, Starting out with 30 Illawarra cows and two bulls.

Andy and Cathy Lostroh took over the farm in 2004 and established the Friesian herd in 2009, with 50 cows and five bulls.

Selling agents were Elders from Finley.

Arrowstar Holsteins to $5000

The complete dispersal of Arrowstar Holsteins for the Louden family from Modella was held at Warragul.

Sale top of $5000 was paid for Harrietville Barbolat Paris, a five-year-old VG 87 cow, who won West Gippsland on-farm three-year-old class in 2017.

She completes 10 gens EX and VG bred animals from the famed Paradise family and was in calf to King Doc. She sold to Carisma Farms, Leongatha.

Arrowstar Jedi Blackrose, an outstanding young cow, sold for $4800

48 //

to Troy Smethurst of Athlone, along with Arrowstar Acme Victorian, VG for $3100.

Arrowlea Rival Prada sold to S Wilkie of Bacchus Marsh for $4750 while Arrowstar Barbolat Dreamin, a three-year-old backed by nine gens VG, sold to R and R Peacock for the same price.

C and T Bawden of Labertouche paid $3200 for Arrowstar Brokaw Hanna, bred from six generations of VG and $3000 for Arrowstar Reginald Gardenia, VG 87, a winner of OFC in 2018.

Dairy Livestock Services reports 283 Holsteins grossed $459 175, a sales average of $1625; 200 cows and joined heifers averaged $1900 while 83 unjoined heifers and young calves averaged $955.

Coldara Holsteins

It was the end of an era for Graeme and Bev Joiner at the Shepparton Selling Centre recently.

Freshly calved heifer Coldara Hunk Mickie, with a heifer by Salt at foot sold to Eloora Past. Co of Blighty, NSW for $3600.

These buyers also selected other Coldara heifers including Coldara Unix Sharrie backed by nine generations of EX and VG dams at $3000, along with Coldara DH Solice.

Other noted sales included Coldara Unix Pippa, a daughter of show champion Planet Porscha, who sold for $3300, to F and S DeCicco of Undera.

Coldara DH Raelee, a very close to calving Dragonheart daughter, also hit $3000, selling to Ferguson Farms.

The sale was topped by Ingoldale

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

The Paringa dispersal sale was held at Shepparton.

Like Tossette, a stylish five-year-old cow close to calving, sold on behalf of J and D Gilmore. She was purchased by Ferguson Farms of Toolamba for $5000.

Buyers were from Northern Victoria, Southern Riverina and Moss Vale.

Paringa Holsteins

More than 70 years of dairy history went under the hammer for the final stage complete dispersal sale of Pam Malcolm’s famed Paringa Holsteins.

An extremely well-grown line of heifers and two young bulls attracted huge interest at Shepparton.

Sale top, $15 000 was paid for lot eight, Paringa Solomon Applepie, who sold close to calving to sexed Tatoo. This smart heifer was backed by nine from 10 generations of EX dams; she sold to L and L Calder of Calderlea Holsteins, Meeniyan.

Next top price of $13 000 was reached twice for the pair of daughters of 2016 IDW grand champion Paringa Fever Opa. The first animal to sell, Paringa Goldchip Alanna, Junior Champion of 2019 IDW youth show, sold for $12 000 to Elm Banks Holsteins of Crossley.

Many keen breeders were loud in praise for Paringa Guthrie Niarre backed by nine generations of EX and VG dams, she sold at $10 200 to Whyndell Holsteins. These buyers also selected Paringa Byway Zazoo at $9100.

Paringa Beemer Foxie from a 17 000 litre dam sold for $7600 to Eloora Pastoral who selected 15 heifers from the sale.

Selling agents Dairy Livestock Services reports 67 Heifers averaged $4527 and two bulls $3950.

The 69 Holsteins grossed $311 200 and averaged $4510.

Buyers were from all parts of Victoria along with NSW, South Australia and Tasmania.

Order 100+ units of any combination of VALENTINO, OLIVER P $ or selected Australia sires for RRP a unit*OLIVER P Order 100+ Genetics units of any combination of 20 VALENTINO, $ or selected Genetics Australia sires for 20 RRP a unit* *offer ends 1/12/2019 *offer ends 1/12/2019

Oliver-P daughters Oliver-P daughters Cairnbrae Valentino Estelle 2, EX 90 Cairnbrae Valentino Estelle 2, EX 90

Covington Oliver Maid-P, EX 91 Covington Oliver Maid-P, EX 91

TJF/Lee Valentino Mamme 983-ET, EX 90 TJF/Lee Valentino Mamme 983-ET, EX 90

// News

Medallion goes but legacy continues

T

here wouldn’t be too many people in the dairy industry who haven’t heard of the famed Genetics Australia Holstein sire Medallion; his breeding value contains thousands of daughters throughout the dairy industry and today, he still ranks amongst the best for mammary systems and farmer likability.

Medallion recently passed away just short of his 14th birthday.

For Brian and Janelle Anderson and Brian’s dad Bill, from Bundalong Holsteins, Medallion is also a source of great pride — after all, they bred the bull.

“It makes us very proud to have bred a sire that has had such a massive impact on the dairy breed and the industry over such a long period of time — the fact he wasn’t a flash in the pan and people went back and used him year after year just shows what a great sire he was,” Brian said.

Brian said it was pleasing to see Medallion’s influence right across the board.

“From commercial farmers to registered breeders — there have also been a few daughters that have made it to IDW as well.

Breeders who wouldn’t traditionally use a GA bull ended up using Medallion because he was just too good to pass up.”

Medallion graduated in 2009 and was the highest-ever Australian bull ranked for udders at 119 and still boasted an impressive 110 for udders at his passing.

“It is satisfying to hear so many positive comments about Medallion, especially from people who don’t realise I bred him,” Brian said.

The stud purchased Medallion’s grand dam Glomar Boudewijn Luck as a yearling pre the genomic era, because she had a deep pedigree and was backed by a stack of high-performing sires.

Glomar Boudewijn Luck VG86 had great PIs, with 87 for dairy strength being a feature.

“The Dutch influence really shined through in her breeding, with a lifetime 4.73 per cent for fat and 3.75 per cent for protein,” Brian said.

Her daughter Bundalong Knockout Luck VG87 was a magnificent young cow going VG87 at three years old.

She was a medium-sized cow, with plenty of capacity and a great udder.

She was 87 for rump, 85 for feet and legs, 87 mammary and 88 for dairy strength — typical of the daughters Medallion sired.

She had a lifetime composition test of 4.4 per cent fat and 3.5 protein and gave the family five male progeny, including Medallion.

Brian said he did use Medallion in his

50 //

rian Anderson from Bundalong Holsteins with the famed Genetics Australia sire Medallion. Medallion’s breeding B value contains thousands of daughters worldwide and has been a source of great pride for Brian, who bred the much-loved bull.

own breeding program but looking to the next generation had always been part of their breeding philosophy.

“We used Medallion in our herd for several years until the evolution of genomics when we quickly began to use that science in our breeding program. We have used 100 per cent genomic young sires for the past five years to maintain genetic progression,” he said, “Commercial breeders don’t want to be sold bulls they have a daughters of in their herd, which is why we are always looking to the next generation of sires.”

Bundalong keeps a number of bull calves each year with the ultimate goal of entering AI, while the remainder are sold to commercial farmers.

“Our breeding goals are constantly evolving as we feel the trends and needs of the national herd change with time,” Brian said.

“We don’t aspire to necessarily breed the highest bull in the country, we just strive to breed the best without holes in their proof or their pedigree.”

Brian said he looks for a profitable, medium sized cow with great longevity.

“It’s one thing to have a cow that produces 50 litres, but it’s no good if she doesn’t last and can’t get in calf,” he said.

“It’s not so much about that cow that produces great litres, but more about those ones that stay in the herd unnoticed year after year, getting back in calf, with a good temperament and low cell count.”

Bundalong started registering cattle in 1990 and achieved master breeder

CRAZYCOW IN PRINT VOLUME 64 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

status in 2010.

The family milk 220 cows at Kongwak in South Gippsland.

Brian is adamant both the dairy business and the stud business are profitable, sustainable and are run as two, totally separate self-supporting businesses.

“You can go over the top, especially when flushing and breeding are your passion, but they still have to make money and be able to stand alone,” he said.

Genetics Australia said Medallion may have entered service just before the commencement of the genomic era, but he featured in the first group of bulls anywhere in the world to be marketed based on their genomic breeding values.

The recent Leading Edge Genetics newsletter paid tribute to the bull by saying: ‘Many sires around the world have been dubbed a great bull. The recently retired Holstein sire Medallion from Genetics Australia is one such bull. His ability to produce a cow that suits Australian conditions is unparalleled.’

Genetics Australia’s Breeding and Genetics Manager, Peter Thurn said few bulls since the famous Judge have had the impact that Medallion has.

“The consistency of his daughters and their magnificent udders cannot be matched. If I had to choose one bull to exemplify our breeding program and goals, it would be Medallion,” Peter said.

Not only was the bull popular in dairy herds around the world, he was hugely popular amongst the Genetic Australia staff and will be sorely missed.

News //

Young travellers return European young breeder tour attendees Sam Hall from WA, Brady Hore from Leitchville, Julia Paulger from Kenilworth, Queensland, Zoe Hayes from Girgarre, Victoria and Ricky Nelson from Irrewillipe, Victoria.

A

ustraliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first European Young Breeders School team embarked on a journey of a life time, recently attending the European Young Breeders Challenge in Battice, Belgium.

Brady Hore from Leitchville, Victoria, Julia Paulger from Kenilworth, Queensland, Ricky Nelson from Irrewillipe, Victoria, Sam Hall from Australind, Western Australia and Zoe Hayes from Girgarre, Victoria were joined by team leader Justin Johnston of Glomar Holsteins.

The trip was a great learning experience for the team who came home with new skills, new friends and plenty of confidence for their future.

Zoe was awarded a third in clipping and second in leading and finished seventh overall.

Ricky Nelson won the leading class in his age group, finishing 10th overall while Julia Paulger from Kenilworth placed fourth in leading and finished 14th overall.

The EYBS is an annual five-day event

run by the Association Wallonne de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Elevage (AWE) and involves handson workshops including bedding, showmanship and clipping, along with classroom-based sessions on marketing and herd promotion.

After three days of workshops and practice, participants put their skills to the test in stock judging, showmanship and calf classes.

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// 51

Gorbro King Uno Tiffany (Doc)

At far left: Bulrush Matt Prada VG-89 At left: Palmyra Reagan B Glynne VG-88

PO Box 7538 • Shepparton • 3632 Victoria Phone (03) 5831 5559 • Fax (03) 5822 0005 info@wwsaustralia.com • www.wwsires.com