International Dairy Week set for a renewed 2023 event in Tatura

Stacey Leppert grew up on the Canada-American border, and she’s bringing her unique perspective to this year’s International Dairy Week.

Growing up in a city that straddles the world’s longest land border, Stacey Leppert’s international credentials were secure from an early age.

Raised in Ontario’s Niagara Falls, the Canadian native was able to see the United States from across the rapidly-flowing waterfall river.

But it was a decision aged 10 that ultimately led to her leaping into a life Down Under.

Ms Leppert joined her local 4H Club – a North American agricultural initiative so named because it covers the four Hs of a child’s formative years — “head, heart, hands, and health”.

“Being part of the 4H club was where my interest in showing cows began,” she said.

“(Through the club) I went to regional shows throughout Canada with the biggest being the annual Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.”

International Dairy Week co-ordinator Stacey Leppert at Tatura Showgrounds. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Ms Leppert first visited Australia in January 2017 to attend International Dairy Week.

Four years later, she was co-ordinating the Tatura event.

“It’s exciting to have more visitors from around the world this year for International Dairy Week, given international travel was far more difficult 12 months ago,” she said.

Ms Leppert won’t be the only global name at Tatura next week with the ‘international’ well and truly back in the International Dairy Week title

American judges Kelli Cull and Brian Behnke, Canadian adjudicator Callum McKinvin and New Zealand judge Warren Ferguson have all signed up for event, which has been mainly contained to Australian judges since coronavirus restrictions swept the globe in 2020.

IDW co-director Declan Patten said his fellow organisers were excited to introduce a range of new initiatives in 2023.

“Launching for the first time is the stand-alone Red and White Holstein Show, which complements six other breed shows,” Mr Patten said.

“Another exciting new initiative includes a Food Truck Festival on the Saturday, which is open to the local community and surrounds.

“This initiative is to give back to the local community and also gives them an opportunity to learn more about the event that has always been held in their backyard.

“Other exciting initiatives include an industry question and answer session, fitting and showmanship clinics and the massive launch of the new IDW Trade Show.”

Mr Patten said organisers were also excited to launch the IDW Heifer Raffle, where entrants have the opportunity to win one out of six heifers worth up to $15,000.

“The milk price has been a great driving contributor for the event with strong entries and farmers excited to be coming back to the event after border restrictions in 2022,” he said.

“In trying times with the floods, International Dairy Week is a little beacon of light to get off the farm, meet with friends and enjoy showing cows with like-minded and passionate people.

International Dairy Week runs from January 14 to 19 at Tatura Park.