With the 35th National Dairy Show just around the corner we all eagerly await Ireland’s largest indoor
agricultural show which takes place in Millstreet annually in October.
This year former Ireland rugby international Mike Ross will perform the honours when he officially
opens the Show which promises something for everyone in the farming community. Mike, the son of
Frank and Patti Ross, is a graduate of dairy farming having grown up on the home farm near Ballyhooly
in North Cork where he still inspects the progress of the Convamore Herd when he gets a chance on his
visits home. Mike’s early rugby career started with Fermoy underage, the club that his father Frank
played with distinction for many years. From there he progressed through the UCC ranks before joining
Cork Con and then onto a professional contract in England with Harlequins until 2009 when he returned
to Leinster where he played for 7 very successful seasons. After 61 Irish caps and two Six Nation
Championships Mike retried from professional rugby in 2017, where he has certainly earned the title as
one of the greatest scrummagers that Ireland has ever produced. Mike has also generously signed one
of the new Irish jerseys, which only officially go on sale at the end of this year and together with a
signed ruby ball and a hamper of goods, all will be up for grabs as door prizes on the day of the Show.
Along with 200 of the top Holstein and Jersey cattle competing for national honours there will be many
features at the Show this year including over 150 Trade Stands with a wide range of products from the
latest in milking technology to animal nutrition, veterinary products, AI companies and much, much
more. Also returning to the Show is the artisan Food Village which will showcase local producers with a
chef demonstrating how best to use their produce in exciting recipes on the day.
There will be many new features also debuting at this year’s Show including a small animal farm, firsthand information and advice on Farm Safety and Rural Crime Prevention and with lameness in cattle a
constant headache for farmers, you will be also be able to find out more about the latest equipment
and treatment techniques that will be demonstrated live at the Show.
The live demos continue on the day as for the first time ever at the Show, 6 of the leading tractor
manufacturers will be participating in a live tractor and loader bale handling demonstrations where the
latest spec and technology in equipment will be displayed and you will have an opportunity to discuss
any specific needs you may have with experienced and knowledgeable personnel on the day too.
Please find out more about the Show and its sponsors at www.nationaldairyshow.com where tickets
can also be pre-purchased at a discounted price and don’t forget you can get all the up to date news by
following the Show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Make sure you don’t miss this great family day out with something for everyone on Saturday 21st
October in the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet.