International Dairy Week 2023: Young guns excel at Tatura

Industry veterans and top quality cattle have been recognised on the final day of International Dairy Week for 2023.

Industry veterans and top quality cattle have been recognised on the final day of International Dairy Week for 2023.

Mark Patullo, from World Wide Sires, won the Lex Bunn Award for his decades of service to the dairy sector.

His lifetime of service was recognised by friend and colleague Brian Leslie, who was part of the award presentation in Tatura on Thursday.

“I started off with the Ayrshire breed — had a lot of backing from my family,” Mr Patullo said.

“We moved from Gippsland to northern Victoria when I was younger, got into AI about that time and have been involved in sales ever since.”

In the National Holstein Show, Lightning Ridge CMD Doc Bamba from Myponga in South Australia won intermediate champion female.

Avonlea Sunlight Connie from Gorbro Holsteins in Cohuna won reserve intermediate champion.

In the National Jersey Show, Kings Vale Joel Madge showcased by the Perrett family from Kongwak won the senior champion cow title.

The reserve jersey title was awarded to Pylanda Apple Laura, showcased by Gavin Broad from Wonthaggi.

18 January

When you’re udderly exhausted from the competitive demands of International Dairy Week, Ava Fisher and Lexi Osborn reckon it’s best to hit the hay.

The Goulburn Valley cousins took part in the fancy dress section of the annual Tatura tradition, back stronger in 2023 after a challenging few years for major events.

International Dairy Week. Cousins L-R 4yo Lexi Osborn and 3yo Ava Fisher from Merrigum and Kyabram Picture: Zoe Phillips

Kyabram farmer Bec Fisher said her four-year-old daughter Ava and her five-year-old niece Lexi were just two of many budding dairy stars participating in the week’s festivities.

“It’s been great to have Dairy Week back to the way it was. There’s people up from the Western District that we’ve known for 18 years. So many families have been involved in Dairy Week for a long time,” Mrs Fisher said.

In the Youth Show grand champion heifer competition, Brurob Radio Star – exhibited by Daniel Watson won the title, while Wyndell Doc Jade – exhibited by Jett Easterbrook won reserve champion.

Gorbro Dylan Noni – exhibited by Abbie Hanks, received an honourable mention.

In the Youth Show’s junior champion in-milk heifer, Benlargo Crushabull Noni – led by Shae Tweedle won the Monday competition.

Reserve was Camalot Tequila Regal – led by Alexis Allen while Jackiah Victorious Silverbelle – led by Ethan Couch received an honourable mention in junior leader race.

In the Youth Show’s senior champion in milk heifer, Brurob Radio Star – exhibited by Daniel Watson was placed first, followed by Wyndell Doc Jade – exhibited by Jett Easterbrook in reserve.

View Fort Fon Doo Ali – exhibited by Elly Simms received an honourable mention.

All-Breeds Youth Show judge Ben Govett said the quality of cattle in 2023 was unparalleled.

“It’s probably one of the hardest shows to judge at Dairy Week – the Youth Show – being that it’s all breeds,” he said.

“It was good to see a lot of the minor breeds or colour breeds finding their way to the top.

In the 2023 Sheri Martin Youth Showmanship Classes, Rebekah Love won the senior division title while Cally O’Shannassy came runner up

International Dairy Week. Shae Tweddle from Glencoe SA, won class 18. Picture: Zoe Phillips

In the intermediate showmanship division, Abbie Hanks won first place while Katelyn Atkins came in second spot.

In the primary showmanship division, Lochie Polson was first, followed by Ruby Polson, while Reilley Bawden was junior division winner, followed by Cooper Fisher.

The National Jersey Cow Show kicks off the penultimate day of International Dairy Week on Wednesday morning with the National Holstein Heifer Show scheduled for the afternoon.

Thursday will start with a Dairy Industry Leaders Breakfast followed by the

National Holstein Cow Show, with the presentation of Lex Bunn and Bette Hall Memorial Awards wrapping up proceedings at Tatura Park for 2023.