Royal Melbourne Show 2023: Dairy quietly dropped from competitions

Dairy judging is unlikely to make a return to the Melbourne Royal Show, ending a century-long tradition. Here’s why.

Dairy judging appears to be permanently erased from the Melbourne Royal Show schedule, ending more than a century of quality cattle competitions.

Both the 2020 and 2021 shows at Ascot Vale were called off completely due to covid crowd restrictions.

But with the return of a full agricultural show last year, dairy was quietly left off the schedule and in 2023, it remains a no show.

Judge John Gardiner presides over exhibits at the dairy show at the Melbourne Royal Show on September 27, 2018. Picture: Dannika Bonser

The Weekly Times understands entry numbers in the dairy category had declined precipitously throughout the 2010s, leading organisers to decide not to revive the event.

Melbourne Royal agriculture general manager Darren Keating said the dairy sector continued to be showcased at the event, despite the last dairy judging session held in 2019.

“There was no dairy judging at the Melbourne Royal Show last year, however, on site at the Melbourne Royal Show this year, there are more dairy experiences than ever before,” Mr Keating said.

“We have worked closely with our partner Pura to bring a cow milking experience to the show, so visitors can get hands-on and learn about life on a dairy farm.”

Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing said while the development was regrettable, organisers had to respond to changing times.

The Colac farmer said biosecurity concerns, time constraints and industry trends all played a part in the ebbing popularity of showcasing dairy cattle.

“The Melbourne Royal Show is a magnificent opportunity to showcase dairy to a wider urban audience and there’s still that presence there,” Mr Billing said.

“Yes, it’s regrettable that dairy judging is no longer part of the show but the organisers have to reflect the number of entries they get and make a judgement call about the level of interest from the farming community.

“Biosecurity concerns may be a factor for some farmers but the main reason is probably time and effort. Depending on your farm’s distance from Melbourne, there’s an expense involved for farmers too.”

Last week, Inglenook Dairy won seven medals and one trophy at the Melbourne Royal-hosted Australian Food Awards.

Mr Keating said it was a prime example of the show continuing its relationship with dairy in a different way.

“The Melbourne Royal Show is a big supporter of the dairy industry with us welcoming the return of the Dairy Awards as part of the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards only a few weeks ago,” he said.