IDW wraps up for another year

IDW director Declan Patten said every year the professionalism of the show just gets better and better.

This year the cows were treated to a new-look arena with coloured wood shavings covering the surface rather than the traditional sand.

Declan said not only were the shavings more comfortable for the cows, they also made their colours really pop on the livestream.

The other major change was a move to the handlers wearing a harness rather than hats to improve the numbering system.

“The harness looks really clean and we have had a lot of positive feedback,” Declan said.

Declan said as always, the quality of cows was extremely high.

“In all seriousness, the quality of cattle this year is the best I have ever seen — the colour breeds have really excelled, and it is great to see the minor breeds giving everyone a run for their money.

“We always have the best judges which has been evident across all breeds and classes,” Declan said.

Declan said this year was a particularly tough one for the Jersey show after judge Ryan Krohlow had to follow on from industry legend Matt Templeton who sadly passed away not long after last year’s show.

Ryan, who was a friend of Matt, said he hoped he had honoured his mate whose passion and pride for showing cattle was unsurpassed.

Declan said this year’s STG Australia Create the Future Sale was well-supported both in the room and online.

The sale was topped by a Brown Swiss Lot 21, Kit Dreamer Rhapsody IMP-ET-UK, offered by Kit Davidson who sold for $27,000 to Isabella Osborne from Austral Eden, NSW.

He said it was the very first time an Aussie Red was sold, and she went for $12,000.

“This is great for the breed and great for the seller,” Declan said.

This year’s Lex Bunn recipient was Adrian Dee from Clydevale Holsteins, Macorna.

Adrian has bred 155 excellent cows and has had many successes in the show ring, including exhibiting champion cows at IDW in 1992 and 2026, along with Australian Cow of the Year.

He was also recognised for his wider contribution to the industry.

Daughter Clare Modra said she was pleased her Dad had been recognised for all his hard work.

“Dad, along with mum Cheryl, have been great role models to all of us kids,” Clare said.

The Bette Hall recipient was Jeanette Falls, who was also recognised for her outstanding contribution to the dairy industry over many decades.

“Cows are my comfort, and even though I am 70, I am still not ready to give them up,” Janette said.

The former Blighty dairy farmer, who now works with Elders at Finley, is well known for her nurturing and support of the next generation of farmers.

She was shocked but equally thankful to receive the Bette Hall award.

“I really don’t feel qualified and it blew me away,” she said.

“I love what I do and cows are in my DNA.”