This year’s winter fair is set to have a new look. Photos: Fiona Hanks Photography.
It might be the same great show, but this year’s National Herd Development Victorian Winter Fair will have a new look, after Clare and Stu Modra handed over the reins of the event to International Dairy Weeks Declan Patten and Emmelie Nijskens.
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The show will be held June 30 to July 2 at the Bendigo Showgrounds.
Declan said the show had been very successful over the last decade and he and his team were hoping to build on the success.
“We will bring the same level of professionalism to the fair as we have to IDW,” Declan said.
“As we move forward, we are excited to introduce a fresh new chapter, including a rebrand that reflects both the proud history of the winter fair and our vision for its future.
“While the look may evolve, the heart of the event remains unchanged — elite autumn calved cattle, strong competition, community spirit and opportunity for exhibitors of all ages.”
The fair will have the same great events for the next generation of leaders.
Declan said they had decided to bite the bullet, and for the first time, introduce the Jersey breed to the show.
“We have had a really positive response, and we are looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds in the ring.”
This year’s judge is Kevin Doeberiener, owner and operator of Queens Manor Farm in West Salem, Ohio.
The show ring will look a little different this year with the introduction of the Jersey breed.
Kevin has owned and exhibited numerous All-American and All-Canadian Holsteins and Jerseys, earning multiple nominations and top honours.
Notable achievements include exhibiting Grand Champion Red and White at the 2021 Canadian National Show and Junior Champion Holstein at the 2019 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
He is a well-respected dairy judge, with top judging experiences including Wisconsin Dairy Showcase, Northeast All Breeds Spring Show, New York State Fair, World Dairy Expo and Western PA Championship Show.
There will also be a show string tag sale.
The sale will follow a tag auction format and will open Monday, June 29 and close on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30pm.
A heifer parade will be held on site and all animals for sale will be entered in the fair.
