Holstein Australia announced the 2017 Cow of the Year at its Annual Awards Night, held in Nowra this week (24 August).
Leader Durham Satin EX-91-5E, was crowned Cow of the Year, in recognition all-round excellence in production, classification, breeding and overall contribution to the Australian Holstein breed.
In a feat, never previously achieved, Durham Satin is the third generation in a row to receive this prestigious award; her mother, Leader Rudolph Satin EX-90-2E receiving it in 2011, and her grandmother, Toolamba Broker Satin EX-1E in 2005.
This achievement demonstrates the extraordinary performance of the Satin cow family. To be a finalist in the Cow of the Year Competition, the cows must have high milk producers over many lactations, produce exceptional progeny and have excellent conformation.
They represent the best of the qualities of a profitable dairy cow; the type of cow every dairy farmer aspires to breed.
The award is all the more special for Leader Durham Satin’s breeders and owners, Mel and Travis Deans from Oakey on the Darling Downs, Queensland who will sell their herd on 22 September.
Cow of the Year judge, Rob Calder (Wandilla Holsteins, Leongatha North, Victoria) described Durham Satin as a worthy winner in a competition of extremely high standards. “Durham Satin impresses with excellence in conformation, longevity, fertility, milk, and daughter performance,” Rob said.