Almost 400 head of cattle were entered in this year's Leading Edge Genetics on-farm competition, with a remarkable display of excellence in livestock breeding, marking its 15th year as one of the largest competitions of its kind in Australia.

A total of 396 head were entered, representing 57 different breeders across the country.The prestigious winning accolades were shared among four outstanding farms and breeders including Lancey Farms at Nyora; Brett and Jodi Loughridge at Poowong North; Ash and Jane Harrison Nerrena; and, the Attenborough Family at Poowong North.
The overall champion was awarded to a Jersey entry, Valin 2594. Judge Daniel Bacon from Tennyson said the outstanding dairy cow, in her third lactation, also claimed victory in the 4 to 5-year-old class. Valin 2594 impressed with her well-balanced conformation and exceptional quality.
In the highly competitive two-year-old class, which saw 111 entries, the winning entry was Dylan Pip, owned by Ash and Jane Harrison. Daniel noted that Dylan Pip stood out as the most correct and balanced cow in what was a very strong class, underscoring her exceptional qualities that earned her the top spot.
In the three-year-old class, which featured 74 entries, the top honor was awarded to Delta Lambda 6783, owned by Brett and Jodi Loughridge. The judge commended her dairy frame and outstanding udder, highlighting these qualities as key factors that made her the obvious choice to lead the class.
The mature cow class was claimed by the impressive NT 80, a tremendous, framed cow from Lancey Farms. She caught the attention of the judge from the very first day of judging. NT 80 stood out in a very strong class, which included 53 amazing mature cows entered from across Gippsland. Her exceptional qualities and dairy frame made her the clear winner in this highly competitive category.
One of the most coveted prizes at the competition is the group class, which showcases three animals by the same sire. This year, the winning group in this category, which featured 22 entries, was owned by Brett and Jodi Loughridge of Poowong North. Their three-year-old Delta Lambda daughters were of the highest quality, demonstrating outstanding dairy strength and making them the clear choice to win this prestigious class.
Most successful exhibitor - Ash and Jane Harrison from Nerrena, who had an impressive four place getters across the competition, highlighting their consistent success.
Encouragement award - presented to Bonnie Ross, who is currently working on her parents' farm (owned by Donald and Renee) while also pursuing agricultural education. This award recognises her dedication and potential in the industry.
For judge Daniel Bacon, the on-farm Competition was a busy and intense four days of judging across Gippsland.
"It was certainly a competition of great depth. Each farm had animals of tremendous quality. There could only be one winner in each class, unfortunately. But for me, I was looking for the most correct, well-balanced cow." His focus on balance and correctness was key to identifying the standout animals in the competition.
Leading Edge Genetics owner/manager Brad Aitken said each year he marvelled at the quality of cows presented in the competition.
"It truly has become one of the leading on-farm competitions here in Australia."
He also highlighted the strong sense of community within the industry, saying, "based on the large attendance today, there is no doubting there is not only great fellowship in our dairy cattle industry, but also great pride that everyone has in their animals."
Competition winners were announced at a luncheon held at the Drouin Golf Club on November 29, where competition judge Daniel Bacon presented awards. The event was attended by 130 interested farmers and 15 agribusiness representatives, showcasing the strong support and interest in the competition.
Results:
Two-year-old class, 111 entries:
Winner – Dylan Pip, owned by Ash and Jane Harrison, Nerrena; 2nd Dylan Beauty, A and J Harrison, Nerrena; 3rd Delta Lambda 7050, B and J Loughridge, Poowong North.
Three-year-old class, 74 entries:
Winner - Delta Lambda 6783, owned by Brett and Jodi Loughridge, Poowong North; 2nd Polled Gold Melanie P 4921, Luke and Mel Wallace, Poowong North; 3rd Paddy Bonnie, Ash and Jane Harrison, Nerrena.
4–5 year-old class, 92 entries
Winner – Valin 2594, owned by Attenborough Family, Poowong North; 2nd Matt 4208, Luke and Mel Wallace, Poowong North; 3rd Valin 3097, Reid and Egan, Nilma.
Mature cow class, 53 entries:
Winner - Lancey Farms, Nyora; 2nd Casino 2535, Lace and Ralston, Devon North; 3rd Samite 206, Peter, Helen and Michael Thomson, Fish Creek.
Group class (3 females by the 1 sire), 22 entries:
Winner - sired by Delta Lambda, Brett and Jodi Loughridge, Poowong North; 2nd Dylan, Ash and Jane Harrison, Nerrena; 3rd Casino, Benelli Jerseys, Jindivick.

Rright: Bonnie Ross (centre) receives the encouragement award from judge Daniel Bacon and Brad Aitken of Leading Edge Genetics.