The AXA National Dairy Show committee has announced its judge in the form of Niels Erik Haahr for its 2023 event.
The 41st edition of the show takes place in its usual venue of the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork on the earlier dates of October 13th and October 14th, 2023.
This year’s esteemed judge, Niels Erik Haahr, is a Holstein breeder in Denmark, and works with cattle in Germany and Scandinavia, investing in high-quality genetics from across the world.
Haahr and his wife Anja, along with their four children run the Anderstrup Herd which will be a familiar prefix to many farmers – Anderstrup Holsteins is the source of numerous top AI bulls used all over Europe.
For example, the VikingGenetics sires Mandel (MOM-Didrik; Tirsvad Luke Classic family) and Miracle (Massey-Roumare; Tir-An Calano Kristine family), who combined have produced over 40,000 daughters or Anderstrup Clash-P, a Powerball also from the Classic family who is currently the highest scoring bull on the Italian progeny proven list.
Prominent Red Holstein bulls have also come from Anderstrup, of note are numerous sons of SPH Croteau Brekem Saigon-Red, such as Sting, Gonzales and Marsden-P in Germany and Sky-Red in Scandinavia.
The herd numbers 540 cows with an average production of 17,052 kg milk at 3.82% fat and 3.5% protein.
Last year, they were the number 1 production herd in Europe, a significant achievement.
Haahr is no stranger to the show ring as both an exhibitor and judge. His judging accolades include the European Red Holstein Show in Germany and judging National shows all across Spain, Holland, Belgium, England, Portugal, Denmark and many more.
Two-type model
Haahr is clear in what he will be looking for at this year’s show, saying: “I follow a two-type model when it comes to assessing cows.”
“I am searching for a well-balanced animal with super feet and legs as well as an outstanding udder.”
“The mammary system is very important for me, and key for any dairy producer looking to get a good result from their herd.”
The National Dairy Show will run over Friday, 13th, 2023, and Saturday, October 14th, 2023, with dairy classes and the large trade show taking place over both days.
There will be major exhibitors in the areas of AI, animal health, breeding & dairy agri-tech, milking equipment, robotics, livestock machinery, finance, dairy services, nutrition, soil & land management, dairy inputs, and many other areas in attendance.
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