Dairy week under way

One of the most anticipated events on the program is the IDW World Wide Sires Evolution Sale, which saw a two-month-old calf sell for $251000 back in 2016.

With farmers battling dry conditions in the lead-up to the event, IDW founder Brian Leslie said entry numbers were mixed compared to last year.

‘‘Holsteins and Jerseys are (on par), the others are down a little bit and that’s due to the seasonal conditions,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve noticed that we haven’t got as many entries from NSW as we often do and that’s because they’ve experienced tough times with seasonal conditions.

‘‘I’m sure when the season breaks they will be back next year, but just at the moment things are a bit tight.’’

Numurkah’s Carl Moon, who is showing two cows at this year’s event, said he was not expecting to come home successful.

‘‘I’m showing just the two, both in the youth show — one Guernsey and one Holstein.

‘‘I’m just here to enjoy it and enjoy a bit of time off-farm and watch my son (Harrison) go about his business,’’ he said.

‘‘You get to see a lot of people that you only see at this time of year at Dairy Week.

‘‘It’s good to catch up with like-minded people.’’

With temperatures expected to hit 40°C for the five days of the event, Mr Leslie said organisers were prepared if a blackout occurred.

‘‘This is the second year we have these special fans in the judging ring and they’re outstanding,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re also prepared with generators etcetera if we get a breakdown in power.

‘‘We’ve got to keep the fans going to keep the cows cool.’’

Other notable events include industry seminars, the dairy farm and machinery field days and the Power of Women in Dairy function.

IDW continues until January 24 with each day’s program beginning at 8am.