See the highlights of the 10th Victorian Winter Fair. Who were the top winners at the 2024 dairy show? Discover the key moments and champions.
Matt (obscured) and Nicola Templeton with Supreme Senior Champion Rockwood Park Atley Cretonne and judges Lachlan Fry and Courtney Afford. Photo: Fiona Hanks
Marking a decade of excellence, the Victorian Winter Fair has not just grown, but flourished, cementing its status as a premier event in the dairy farming calendar. This year, the event celebrated its 10th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its significance in the dairy industry. It brings together the finest breeders and producers from across the region. From its humble beginnings in 2014, the Winter Fair has grown exponentially, drawing increased participation and audience engagement each year.
“The Victorian Winter Fair represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the dairy industry,” said Claire Modra, event organizer. “It’s a platform where quality, expertise, and community converge to celebrate and elevate our industry.”
The event’s lasting impact is evident in its ability to attract top-tier entries and nearly 1500 visitors over three days. The 10th Victorian Winter Fair showcased the best Holsteins. It provided dairy enthusiasts and professionals a unique opportunity to connect, compete, and share knowledge. This spirit of camaraderie and competition, at the heart of the industry, is fostered and celebrated at the Winter Fair, making everyone feel part of a larger community.
Commemorating a Decade of Excellence: The 10th Victorian Winter Fair
The recent culmination of the Victorian Winter Fair marked a significant milestone, celebrating ten years of showcasing the finest dairy cattle. Held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre from July 2 to 4, 2024, the event recorded an impressive 185 entries. This year’s fair attracted nearly 1500 visitors, a testament to its growing popularity and the high regard in which it is held within the dairy farming community.
Reflecting on a Decade of Progress
Reflecting on the Victorian Winter Fair journey, the event’s diligent organizer, Claire Modra, expressed great pride and accomplishment. “It’s been an incredible decade,” Mrs. Modra remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia and enthusiasm. “Seeing the fair expand from a modest gathering to one of Victoria’s premier dairy shows is gratifying. Each year brings new challenges and triumphs, but the heart of this event—community spirit and exceptional dairy cattle—remains steadfast.” Continuing, Mrs. Modra shed light on the meticulous planning and dedication involved.
“Our team works tirelessly year-round to ensure every aspect of the show is up to par. From selecting experienced judges like Lachlan Fry to curating a seamless experience for both participants and visitors, every detail matters.” She also highlighted the fair’s role in fostering young talent: “Encouraging the next generation of dairy handlers and breeders is crucial. Their enthusiasm and skill are the lifeblood of this fair.” Mrs. Modra is optimistic about the future. “The formula we’ve developed over the past decade has proven successful. We don’t intend to rest on our laurels but build on this foundation. The feedback we receive—both positive and constructive—fuels our commitment to excellence. We’re already looking at ways to enhance next year’s event while retaining the particular core elements of the Winter Fair.
Judge Lachlan Fry Applauds High Standards and Uniformity in Entries
Judge Lachlan Fry commented on the entries, highlighting their remarkable consistency and depth across all classes. He noted the overall high quality and that the champion line-up showcased uniformity, reflecting well-bred and well-prepared cows, significantly boosting the competition’s standard this year.
Showcasing Future Stars: The Junior Handlers’ Competition
The junior handlers’ competition was an impressive display of youthful talent and skill, divided into multiple age categories that tested the participants’ showmanship abilities. In the Under-12 ProDairy Junior Showmanship, young Nate Chesworth stood out, securing first place with his adept handling techniques. Transitioning to the 12-15 years category, Stacey Gleeson emerged victorious, showcasing her refined showmanship and command in the ring. Abbie Hanks claimed the top spot in the senior youth group for ages 16-21, demonstrating advanced proficiency and confidence. The Junior Judging class also recognized budding talent, with Isla Robertson winning first place for handlers under 12, Violet Dodd excelling in the 12-15 years bracket, and Luke Gardiner triumphing in the 16-21 years division.
An Integral Part of the Winter Fair: Spotlight on Junior Judging Talent
An integral part of the Winter Fair, the Junior Judging competition showcases the evaluative prowess of young enthusiasts as they meticulously assess cattle and demonstrate their future potential in the dairy industry. The victories of Isla Robertson in the Under-12 bracket, Violet Dodd in the 12-15 years category, and Luke Gardiner in the 16-21 years group underscore the depth of talent and promising future of dairy judging in Victoria, inspiring hope for the industry’s future.
Crowning the Finest: Celebrating Supreme Champions of the Victorian Winter Fair
The honor of Supreme Senior Champion went to Rockwood Park Atley Cretonne, exhibited by View Fort Holsteins and Jerseys. Carisma Samite Piper clinched Reserve Champion from M. and J. Deenen. The title of Supreme Junior Champion was awarded to Gorbro Sidekick Ruth by Gorbro Holsteins. The coveted Supreme Udder of the senior show was won by Winwood Tatoo Lights Out, exhibited by Mal Nikora and Kelly Bleijendaal. With their exceptional performance, these champions inspire us all to strive for excellence in our endeavors.
The Bottom Line
As the Victorian Winter Fair marks its 10th anniversary, the remarkable turnout and superior entries highlight its essential role in Victoria’s dairy industry. Over a decade, the Winter Fair has epitomized excellence, showcasing dairy breeding and production advancements. Under Mrs. Modra’s leadership, the event has thrived with a blend of tradition and continuous improvement. She plans to keep the winning formula, with minor adjustments for new trends and technologies. This fair is more than a competition; it celebrates heritage, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Stakeholders must continue supporting this event to ensure it remains a crucial fixture in Victoria’s agricultural calendar. Let’s draw inspiration from the dedication and innovation displayed here to advance our rural communities.
Key takeaways:
- Significant increase in attendance, especially on heifer day.
- High-quality entries with consistent performance across categories, as noted by judge Lachlan Fry.
- Success in junior categories, highlighting future leaders in dairy showmanship and judging.
- Supreme Senior Champion title awarded to Rockwood Park Atley Cretonne, exhibited by View Fort Holsteins and Jerseys.
- Event’s formula deemed successful by organizer Claire Modra, with no major changes anticipated for the next year.
Summary:
The Victorian Winter Fair, a significant event in the dairy farming calendar, has celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking an important milestone in the industry. The event brings together the best breeders and producers from the region, attracting increased participation and audience engagement each year. The 10th Victorian Winter Fair attracted nearly 1500 visitors over three days, demonstrating its growing popularity and high regard within the dairy farming community. The event’s organizer, Claire Modra, expressed pride and accomplishment, stating that it has been an incredible decade with new challenges and triumphs, but the heart of the event remains steadfast. Modra emphasized the meticulous planning and dedication involved, including selecting experienced judges like Lachlan Fry and curating a seamless experience for participants and visitors. The fair’s role in fostering young talent is also highlighted, with judges praising entries’ consistency and depth across all classes. Stakeholders must continue supporting the event to ensure it remains a crucial fixture in Victoria’s agricultural calendar.
