The Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club held its 63rd Jersey Fair at the Warragul Showgrounds last Tuesday.
More than 100 immaculately presented Jersey cows were exhibited from across Victoria and southern New South Wales.
The fair was attended by delegates from all over the world who are visiting Australia as part of the World Jersey Conference.
The Central Gippsland Jersey Fair had its origins in the late 1950s when the local club's annual Jersey sale was struggling to attract interest. The Warragul secretary wrote to other Gippsland Jersey Clubs with a suggestion to combine their fairs and sales.
As a result, the first Central Gippsland Jersey Fair took place at the Warragul Showgrounds in 1961 and has continued to attract exhibitors ever since.
While sales of cattle were a focus in the event's early years, in recent times the fair has become predominantly focussed on presenting Jersey cows and their handlers.
The fair was traditionally held in October. Due to declining entries the event was at a crossroads and in 2012 organisers decided to move the fair to autumn. Due to this decision and the support of sponsors and exhibitors the fair has enjoyed a renaissance of late and has gone from strength to strength.
Wayne Kuhne of Bushlea Jerseys in Koonwarra was the lead judge for this year's fair. Wayne has been a board member of Jersey Australia since 2019 and currently serves as chair of Genetic and Breed Development. He also has been an active member of the South Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club for the past 30 years and is its current president.
Evaluators are looking for a number of criteria. "We are looking for cows that best resemble 'a model' cow.'
"The criteria includes, general appearance, frame, rump, feet and legs, the mammary system and the general dairy character of a cow."
The following breeders and cows took out the top awards for the 2025 fair.
Senior champion cow - Brookbora Eileen 130, exhibited by Brookbora Jerseys for the Bacon Family from Tennyson.
Intermediate and supreme champion - Forhlands Viral Rory, exhibited by BK Farming for Forhlands Jerseys - Tallygaroopna.
Junior champion heifer - Kings Ville Christine 10 P, exhibited by Rob and Kerrie Anderson for Kings Ville Jerseys - Drouin West
Premier exhibitor - BK Farming, for Forhlands Jerseys - Tallygaroopna
The fair's 64th instalment will return to Warragul in 2026.