Champion cow: Tongala’s Windy Ways Jersey Stud owner Frank Walsh (left) with national president of Jersey Australia Lisa Broad and Brad and Jess Gavenloch, who are also part owners of the champion Jersey cow from the International Dairy Week show. Photo: Brooke Somerville
Frank Walsh’s champion Jersey cows were again the toast of the International Dairy Week judging last Wednesday.
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And while he puts his address as Cobden nowadays, Tongala is quick to claim him as their own.
Originally from Cobden, he sold the Tongala dairy farm to his son last year, but is regularly on call to help out when needed.
Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7, Dawn for short, was judged senior and grand champion Jersey at the event.
Breeder and part-owner Mr Walsh along with Brad and Jess Gavenlock, from Tallygaroopna’s Cherrylock Cattle Company, watched on as the cow won back-to-back titles.
Last year in Sydney the Jersey was judged interbreed and supreme champion at the Royal Easter Show.
Mr and Mrs Gavenlock professionally prepared the cow for the competition, which Mr Walsh said was one of the main reasons for the victory.
"They do a magnificent job," he said.
Milking since he was five, when it was a hand and bucket rather than the robotic nature of the modern dairy, Mr Walsh started his first Jersey stud soon after leaving school.
Winner’s circle: Wednesday’s announcement of the champion Jersey cow was huge for owners Frank Walsh and Brad and Jess Gavenloch. The emotion during the interview after the decision was made explained the standing of the show in dairy circles.
Tamworth judge Brian Wilson’s comments included, “I can't fault this cow, she's so dairy, she's got a good udder, she walks so well.”
International Dairy Week is a five-day event where 180 dairy breeders compete for prestigious awards.
The value of winning a ribbon at the event is immense and more than 100 dairy companies and businesses made up a large trade exhibition to display the latest in products and technologies.
A series of seminars allowed industry professionals to provide up-to-date information on the Australian and global dairy industry, while progeny tours are held on-site and also to local dairy farms in the region.
The week attracts more than 4000 exhibitors and visitors to Tatura, from all Australian states and from an increasing number of established and developing dairy countries such as Holland, France, USA, Canada, Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.
Hundreds of volunteers throughout the community have devoted their time through the cricket, football and netball clubs and also the local service club to provide services such as catering to visitors and exhibitors.
International Dairy Week is self-funded through the support of a number of sponsors that display their latest innovations and services to the Australian dairy industry.
Naming rights sponsors are Semex, Ruralco Holdings and Greater Shepparton City Council, while ABS Australia and Ridley Dairy Products are jointly the proud sponsors of the National All Breeds Youth Show.
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