Emerald Expo set to return next month

DAIRY Prize purse worth almost €30,000 up for grabs

The Emerald Expo is set to make its welcome return next month at the Virginia Show Centre, attracting some of the finest dairy stock in the land.

The Emerald Expo is an all-breeds dairy cattle show taking place on Saturday, April 29 with categories for judging across classes for Young Members (YMA), youngstock cattle classes, other dairy breeds and in milk classes. The prize fund for the show is €28,000, which is one of the largest prize funds in Europe.

Minister Heather Humphreys, was amongst those attending the launch event in Virginia Show Centre on Monday last. Other notable attendees were President Richard Whelan of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association, IHFA CEO Laurence Feeney, FBD chairman Michael Berkery, as FBD are the main sponsor. There were also representatives from Tirlán (formerly Glanbia) and Lakeland Dairies, Volac, Univet as well as all the local breeders and members from local County Councils in the region.

The Fine Gael minister said it was great to have the Emerald Expo “back up and running again”, and quipped: “What better place to have it than in our very own Virginia Showgrounds. Because, after all, Cavan and Monaghan are the real home of Holstein and Friesian breed!”

This year’s Emerald Expo is being run in conjunction with the European Holstein and Red Holstein Conference entitled “Farming with Nature – Future Proof the Cow” which is taking place in Castleknock Hotel. The conference includes a delegation from all over Europe and finishes with the delegation attending the Emerald Expo on the Saturday.

“The Emerald Expo continues to play a major role in filling the void in the showing circle since the RDS Spring Show in Ballsbridge was discontinued.

“The inaugural Emerald Expo took place in 2011 and has gone from strength to strength over the last decade. It is the only dairy spring show which takes place and has exhibitors taking part from all over the country including Northern Ireland. It continues to be a tremendous cross-order initiative showcasing the cream of the crop of breeding on the island and beyond.

Turning to the breeders in attendance Minister Humphreys said: “I also acknowledge the huge role that the Emerald Expo plays in nurturing the next generation of breeders and farmers. The Young Members Association (YMA) is a voluntary organisation which caters for young people involved and interested in breeding, managing and exhibiting Holstein Friesian cattle.

“YMA is an outlet for young people to learn the skills and knowledge that will be helpful to them when buying, breeding, managing and exhibiting cattle, and helps develop these skills to the best of each individual’s ability.

“There are classes at the show for YMA members where young people have the opportunity to get involved in the show.

Young handlers develop great skill and patience trough showing and I know these young men and women are hugely dedicated to their craft.”

The Minister for Rural and Community Development also paid tribute to those who make the Emerald Expo a reality.

“Another great, great aspect of the Expo is that it is run voluntarily by community in the Virginia area and would not be able to take place without their support. Agricultural shows are a very important part of the community and rural Ireland.

“Everyone who attends will be guaranteed the famous Cavan and Monaghan welcome as well as seeing the best showing stock anywhere on the island.”