Duncan Chesworth, a second-year entrant at IDW, aims to improve on his debut performance by showcasing his Holstein dairy cows.
International Dairy Week continues to draw both seasoned competitors and newer exhibitors, with second-year entrant Duncan Chesworth returning to the show ring determined to improve on his debut performance.
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Mr Chesworth runs a 130ha Holstein dairy, milking 340 cows, and owns the operation with his wife Danielle.
While dairy showing is not new to him, IDW remains a relatively recent addition to his calendar.
“This is our second year,” he said.
“Last year didn’t go to plan, so we’re hoping for a better run this time around.”
Duncan Chesworth prioritises structural strength in his animals over pedigree.
Despite a challenging first experience, Mr Chesworth said the scale and standard of IDW were major motivators for returning.
This year, he will be exhibiting four of his own milking cows, alongside animals prepared by friends.
Preparation for IDW is intensive, with work beginning well before cattle arrive at the showgrounds.
“It’s about eight weeks of changing feed and management, getting the cows into the right condition for the show ring and milking into it,” he said.
When selecting animals to show, Mr Chesworth focuses on structural strength rather than pedigree alone.
Preparation for the show is intensive, focusing on changing feed and management for the cows.
In addition to IDW, Mr Chesworth regularly competes at other major events, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Bendigo, where he has had modest success, but is still chasing a major win.
Like many exhibitors, he views IDW as a competition and a learning opportunity, providing the chance to benchmark cattle against some of the best dairy animals in the country.
IDW event information
Dates: Saturday, January 17 to Thursday, January 22
Location: Tatura Exhibition Park, Hastie Street, Tatura
Price: $10 - $40
Daily highlights
Saturday: Showmanship Clinic, VAS Ltd State Final - Young Judges & Paraders Competitions
Sunday: Fancy Dress & Sheri Martin Showmanship Classes
Monday: MaxCare & ABS Australia National All Breeds Youth Show, Australia's National Red & White Show, Australia's National Illawarra Show
Tuesday: Australia's National Ayrshire Show, Australia's National Guernsey Show, Australia's National Brown Swiss Show, Australia's National Jersey Heifer Show
Wednesday: Australia's National Jersey Cow Show, Australia's National Holstein Heifer Show
