mmg.com.au

International Dairy Week organisers are boasting another successful year.

The event is the largest annual dairy expo event in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere and rates among the top five dairy cattle shows in the world, not only creating global recognition of Tatura, but also providing an economic boon to the town.

Director Brian Leslie told The Guardian last week he was happy with the response to this year’s event.

He said the crowds had been good and cattle were of a high standard, a point made by Australian judge Graham McPhee, who judged the National Youth Show on Monday.

‘‘It was a great show, the standard was typically dairy week standard — very high and competitive. The youth were great to work with. The even-ness of classes was a highlight,’’ Mr Leslie said.

Mr Leslie said the Dairy and Machinery Field Days kicked off in great style with 65 companies displaying the latest products and innovations relating to dairy.

‘‘The free on-the-hour seminars on Wednesday and Thursday had a great line up of speakers,’’ he added.

All judges were suitably impressed with the venue, atmosphere and class of entries.

Judges for the week were Graham McPhee of Australia who judged the All Breeds National Youth Show, Ashley Flemming of Northern Ireland judged the National Illawarra Show, Molly Sloan of United States judged the National Brown Swiss Show, Iwan Morgan of Wales the National Ayrshire Show, Jane Steel of Scotland the National Guernsey Show, Johannes van Eeden of South Africa the National Jersey Show and David Stalker of New Zealand the National Holstein Show.

The show’s total prize pool exceeded $35000, including prize money, trophies, plaques, banners and ribbons. For results go to www.internationaldairyweek.com.au