QLD names 2021 QLD Cow of the Year

The Queensland region of Holstein Australia have announced the winner of the 2021 QLD Cow of the Year.

The title has been awarded to Ardylbar Atwood Gracie-ET VG87 who was exhibited by the Barron family of Ardylbar Holsteins from Coombooya in SE Queensland.

QLD Cow of the Year Judge Chris Kelly said he greatly admired the winning cow.

“Her overall chest width and depth of fore rib and rear rib, her fullness and her attached fore udder and her pin width that flows down into her rear udder and the way the mammary system is attached on the body wall was just outstanding” said Mr Kelly.

This is the second year in a row that the Barron family have won the QLD Cow of the Year competition.

“We were really surprised and we are very happy with the way Grandma Graceful has bred” said Sheryl Barron.

Both winning cows of 2020 and 2021 belong to the 19 year old dam Plana Magic Grace EX-93-1E 2* who is no stranger to the show ring. She was named Supreme Cow and Best Udder at Ekka in 2011.

Last year Gracie’s sister Ardylbar Atwood Gladys-ET VG96 was also crowned Toowoomba Champion, Senior Champion Cow and Best Udder at Beaudesert All Breeds Show as well as the QLD Cow of the Year in 2020.

Earlier this year, another full ET sister of Gracie’s Ardylbar Atwood Graceful-ET VG87 was awarded Champion Cow at the 2021 Gatton Dairy Showcase.

Gracie has collected a handful of show ring titles this year winning first place in the 5 to 7 year old in-milk class, Best Udder and named Champion Cow at the 2021 Toowoomba Show.

Holstein Australia QLD Region Secretary Diane Reeves said “I would like to thank those members who entered this year’s Competition and particularly the exhibitors from North Qld who are always willing to support the Breed”.