Competitions

The Australian Cow of the Year is open to all females in the Holstein Australia Herdbook or Appendix. Nominations can be received from the owner or any third party, including sub-branches. Nominations should feature high production, high classification and exceptional progeny, but do not necessarily have to be a show cow. Entries must be accompanied by a photograph.

To qualify, the cow must have been born in Australia and be alive (in milk or dry) at closing date for nominations. Any animals in which members of the committee or their families have an interest may not be entered in the competition. Previous winners cannot be renominated. 

Nominations are judged by the Breed Development and Conformation Committee and two extra judges chosen at the discretion of the committee. The extra judges cannot represent more than one year in a row. Judging will be conducted at one of the Committee meetings conducted each year. Each nomination is assessed on information provided, including progeny, classification, awards, lactation information and any associated material.

Nominations forms for the 2025 Holstein Australia Cow of the Year will available soon.

Cow of the Year competition guidelines  

 

The Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition is the largest dairy livestock judging competition in the southern hemisphere. Each year, more than 2,500 entries across the country compete for a range of local, regional, state and zone titles. 

 

The competition is open to all females that are either registered or eligible for registration in the Holstein Australia Herdbook or Appendix.

 

Unlike conventional livestock judging events, cattle are assessed for their structural correctness on their home property. This unique format means all breeders can compete against the best in their region or state on an equal basis.