Tasmanian bred cow Fairvale Morty Lady 51 has received the highest classification for Holstein Friesans in Australia: EX97-5E.
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Bred at Bracknell, and part owned by Linsand Holsteins’ Lindsay and Sandra Thompson at Cressy, Fairvale Morty Lady 51 is now the highest classified cow in the country.
This result is a feat for any cow, but at the age of 12 it is unprecedented, Mr Thompson said.
“It’s a huge achievement for an old cow to do that,” Mr Thompson said.
“She also won Dairy Week twice, which is the Melbourne Cup of showing. She’s just about achieved all she can,” he said.
Fairvale Morty Lady 51 is jointly owned by the Thompson’s daughter, Lisa, and her husband Will McKay of Linsand-V Holsteins in Victoria.
They bought her from breeders Ross and Leanne Dobson of Fairvale Holsteins as a two-and-a-half year old.
“This is a great achievement for the cow. She is the the best cow [Ross and Leanne Dobson] have bred by far,” Mr Thompson said.
Fairvale Morty Lady 51 achieved EX97 points just before being recognised as the champion mature cow and supreme champion in the Victoria and South-Eastern South Australia competition.
The Bracknell breeders are exiting the industry, but finished on a high note at the show by winning six of the eight Tasmanian champion and reserve champion competitions.
Two Fairvale-bred animals – Morty Lady 51 and Reg Josie 34 – won a mature championship in two different states during this competition.
Holstein Australia uses the Linear Evaluation System to assess cows, which scores on mammary system, feet and legs, dairy strength and rump to predicting lifetime productivity, longevity and profitability.
Classification supervisor Leanne Summerville said Morty Lady 51 was the best cow she had seen in Australia.
“She just takes your breath away. Great capacity, outstanding udder and real strength with dairyness, and she just keeps getting better with age,” Ms Summerville said.
Holstein Australia chief executive Graeme Gillan said Morty Lady 51 represented the pinnacle of the breed.
“This cow comes from generations of high performing cows and has been exceptionally well managed over the years,” Mr Gillan said.
“To achieve EX97 points as a 12-year-old is incredible, and given her history, underlines the fact that cattle of a better conformation have proven to be more productive, less demanding and longer living,” he said.
Tasmanian results
Judge: Henry Bevan of Bevandale Holsteins, Ravenshoe, Queensland.
Two year old
- First: Fairvale Goldchip Butter 291, R & L Dobson, Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell.
- Second: Fairvale Goldchip Josie 125, R & L Dobson, Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell.
Three year old
- First: Dial View Aftershock Mustang, M & R Radford, Dial View Holsteins, Riana.
- Second: Datumvale Absolute Kylie, M & J Young, Datumvale Holdings Pty Ltd, Ridgley.
Four year old
- First: Fairvale AJ Nola 28, R & L Dobson, Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell.
- Second: Guthrie 322, J & A Evans, Krisamdon Holsteins, Caveside.
Five year old
- First: Murribrook Windhammer Candace-ET, GW & BJ Carpenter and family, Garerley Holsteins, South Riana.
- Second: Fairvale Damion Josie 92, R & L Dobson, Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell.
Mature
- First: Fairvale Reg Josie 34, R & L Dobson, Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell.
- Second: Fairvale Spirte Melody 622, R & L Dobson, Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell.