Organiser Clare Modra said the committee was pleased with the numbers, and recent rains had brought some optimism into the show arena.
‘‘We have had around 185 entries, 100 of which are in the junior section and the rest are spread across the milking section. We have a few red Holstein and a few youth entries, so it should be another great fair,’’ Mrs Modra said.
The junior judging competition kicks off on Tuesday, July 2 from noon and will be followed by an exhibitor pizza night at 6.30pm in the dining room.
Judging commences on Wednesday, July 3 with the dry heifer classes at 10am.
The in-milk classes will get under way on Thursday, July 4 with the intermediate section starting at 10am, followed by the seniors at 1.30pm.
This year two Australian judges will take control of the ring: Matt Templeton from Tarwin will be assisted by associate judge Jo Holloway from Lockington.
On Wednesday night guest speaker Topher Field will host a question-and-answer session from 7pm.
Mr Field is an Australian filmmaker and activist best known for covering a wide range of issues including the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and Murray-Darling Basin Authority, which he first tackled in 2011. He has recently covered the issue in a series of new videos.
‘‘We are really excited to hear what Topher has to say,’’ Mrs Modra said.
‘‘His passion about the Murray-Darling Basin Plan debacle and the way he speaks about it in a simple and easy manner will help shed some light on the problems Victorian and NSW farms are facing.’’
■The National Herd Development Winter Fair will be held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Rd, North Bendigo.
14°C