Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Rules Update
Following a review by the Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC), supported by contributions from Holstein Australia members, changes recommended to the Board on the closing date of the Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition and All-Australian show eligibility have been approved.
Competition Timing
- The 2023 / 2024 competition will run from 1st July 2023 to 31st May 2024
- From 2024 / 2025 the competition will run from 1st June to 31st May each year
The timing of the competition, particularly the closeness of the usual end of June closing date to the Victorian Winter Fair, was a matter raised by members with the BDCC.
With the change to a 31st May closing date the issues experienced by members in obtaining photographs after the show, plus the complication of the Victorian Winter Fair taking place over the last few days of June / first few days of July in some years will be resolved.
In addition to member contributions to this discussion, Holstein Australia consulted with the Victorian Winter Fair organisers, who support this change. This means that next year’s Victorian Winter Fair will not feature in the 2023 / 2024 competition but will form part of the 2024 / 2025 competition.
All-Australian Show Eligibility
The BDCC has confirmed that animals exhibited at any Australian show adjudicated by a judge or judges from the following categories will be eligible for entry into the Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition:
- Judge is a member of the Holstein Australia National Judges Panel
- Judge is a member of another dairy breed association Panel
- Judge is recognised by an international dairy breed association Panel
Members’ Choice Award
For the first time at the end of the current competition year members will have the opportunity to take part in the Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Members’ Choice Award, voting for their favourite animals in each class from the list of finalists.
The Members’ Choice Award is intended to be a fun and engaging competition for members and will run alongside the official All-Australian Photographic Competition.
Future Changes
As part of its review the BDCC also discussed advances in digital photography post-production and any potential impact of this on the competition. It is envisaged that any recommended changes in this area would take effect for the 2024 / 2025 competition and beyond.
It should be noted that under the current rules photographs which have been subjected to digital modification are ineligible, except for alterations which do not affect the conformation of the cow.
Random testing for digital enhancement of photographs may also be done at the BDCC’s discretion, with photographs that return a positive to any sort of enhancement (except for the above) disqualified.
Read and download the updated Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition entry form and rules here or from the Competitions Page on the HA website.