The launch of the AXA National Dairy Show recently took place on the farm of Paul Hannon and family in county Limerick, breeder and owner of the reigning supreme champion cow.

Organised by a committee from the Cork Holstein Friesian Club, the 2022 edition of the AXA National Dairy Show will be the 40th anniversary showcase with special celebrations to mark this ruby milestone and celebrate the growth of the show into Ireland's premier dairy event.

The event will take place at its original home venue of Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co Cork on Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd of October 2022.

It was officially announced at the launch that the show will be open to the public over two days for the first time. The new Friday programme kicks off at 2PM and continues until 9.30PM, to allow flexible time for busy dairy farmers to attend the event at a time that suits them. The Saturday schedule runs as normal from 9.30AM to 5.30pm.

The event has become the meeting place of the dairy industry and will again include the biggest specialised dairy trade exhibition in Ireland. There will be major exhibitors in the area of AI, animal health, breeding & dairy agritech, milking equipment, robotics , livestock machinery, finance, dairy services, nutrition, soil & land management, dairy inputs and many other areas in attendance.

A new title sponsor partnership was also announced, with AXA Farm Insurance coming in as lead sponsors.

Speaking at the launch, Christy Doherty, Head of Agriculture, AXA Insurance siad “We’re delighted to be the title sponsors of the AXA National Dairy Show. This is the major dairy event of the year.”

The Show Director of the National Dairy Show, Denis Kiely commented “I am delighted to announce that AXA are coming on board as title sponsor. The show is a highlight of the dairy industry calendar and has become the meeting place for the sector.”

“It is great to be back in person for 2022 and we look forward to seeing all our friends from the forty years of shows again this year as well as new friends as our show continues to grow.”

The two day programme includes machinery demos, industry discussions, advice clinics and the latest dairy technology including the National Dairy Innovation Awards. Plus, a packed schedule of talks and discussions will focus on the dairy industry, the future outlook, protecting the family farm structure, day-to-day management, latest research and innovation.

Inside the dairy showring, over 160 of the best Holstein and Jersey show cows will again compete for national honours.

Paul Hannon, 2019 supreme champion exhibitor and on who’s farm the 2022 edition was launched, highlighted the importance and prestige of the events showring competition by saying “This is the one everyone wants to win, it’s a dream come true to win the National Dairy Show.”