Event founder Brian Leslie will share his memories at a dinner celebrating 35 years of International Dairy Week. He is pictured officiating at an IDW auction in 2014
From humble beginnings when cows were led up and around a gum tree, International Dairy Week will celebrate its 35-year milestone from January 18 to 23.
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Hard work and vision has built IDW into the largest international dairy cattle sale and show in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is recognised internationally as one of the best shows in the world and draws cattle from across the country and premier judges from around the globe.
Declan Patten and the IDW team are celebrating the occasion with a dinner on the Tuesday night (January 21) which will see around 250 guests come together in the main arena.
The night will be held in conjunction with the Power of Women in Dairy and Lex Bunn presentations.
Event founder Brian Leslie will also give a historical presentation with some amazing memories and insights.
Declan said to reach 35 years was an amazing achievement.
“I remember coming to IDW as a youngster and it is has so many great memories for me,” Declan said.
Declan and his team took over the event in 2021 and have instigated small changes as they go, including an earlier start time for cattle comfort.
The introduction of Around the Barn led by Seven News’ Casey Treloar has been a game changer, bringing results and unique insights of the event to the world, via social media.
Declan said entries were starting to flood in.
“Last year was the best IDW we have had. The atmosphere was electric and was so well supported and we are hoping to top that again this year,” Declan said.
As a bit of fun, and to celebrate the 35-year milestone, people have had the opportunity to vote via social media for the Peoples Choice Award – a celebration of the many legendary cows that have graced the ring over the years.
The event will include all the usual classes across Jersey, Holstein, Illawarra, Ayrshire, Red and Whites and Guernsey breeds, along with the popular youth events which kick off proceedings.
There will be a food truck festival and seminars touching on important dairy-related topics.
Brad Gavenlock from Tallygaroopna is no stranger to the winner’s circle at IDW (pictured in 2023). This year he will also be in the judging ring for the Brown Swiss show.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Once again, there is a team of creditable judges across all breeds.
Holstein show: Mike Duckett from the United States. The Ducketts (wife Julie and kids Logan and Chloe) operate Duckett Holsteins and have had great success exhibiting three Supreme Champions at World Dairy Expo.
Mike has judged many shows internationally and also operates Genetic Futures and Showbox Sires.
Jersey show: Matthew Templeton along with his wife Nicola, daughters Geri and Harlie, and parents Bruce and Jan, operate View Fort Holsteins and Jerseys in Victoria.
Matthew has worked as a professional cattle fitter around the world and has had the privilege of preparing some of the highest-profile cows including World Dairy Expo Supreme Champions.
In August 2024, Matt became the first Australian to judge the Wisconsin Championship Show for both the Holstein and Jersey breeds.
He recently completed a three-year term as an All-Australian judge for the National Photographic Competition and is on the All-Australian judging panel.
Illawarra show: Simon Tognola’s exposure to the dairy industry as a youngster has led to a lifelong passion. In 2012, he was part of the team that prepared Willowdell Astound Fancy 512, the first Jersey to win Supreme Champion at International Dairy Week.
His career has taken him around the world and he has judged cattle across Australia. He currently farms with his fiancé Hannah and twin girls at Tatura.
Ayrshire show: Kurt Wolf is a talented breeder, developer and marketer of Ayrshire genetics all over the world.
He has played a role in breeding, owning or selling 200 All-American Nominees, 10 All Canadian Nominees, two World Dairy Expo Grand Champions and three World Dairy Expo Junior Champions.
He lives in Guttenberg, Iowa, with his wife Michelle and son Cooper, where he works alongside his two brothers milking 250 Holsteins, Ayrshires and Illawarras for Old-Bankstown Ayrshires and Wolf Dairy.
Red and White show: Roger Turner was raised at Railhaven Holsteins, a registered Holstein farm in Ontario, Canada.
Roger was a self-employed, professional dairy cattle fitter for 12 years before joining the AI industry.
His judging career has included assignments to more than 22 countries, and he was recently awarded a 20-year service award for outstanding service and commitment to the livestock industry.
Guernsey show: Michael Gray’s involvement began during his childhood, showing calves alongside his parents at country shows across Victoria.
Over the years, Michael has exhibited at numerous shows, including many appearances at IDW. Farming on the mid-north coast with wife Paula, the couple milk a mixed herd of Guernseys, Holsteins and Brown Swiss.
Brown Swiss show: Brad Gavenlock, alongside wife Jessica and their three girls, run and operate Cherrylock Cattle Co boarding and manage elite cattle for clients based all over the world.
Brad has judged throughout Australia and New Zealand and worked as a fitter across Australia, NZ and North America.
Together, the couple has owned or managed 25 Sydney Royal Champions, 28 IDW Champions and has also shown at World Dairy Expo.
All Breeds Youth Show: John Gardiner has an extensive judging career across all breeds. In 1998 he became the first Australian in 45 years to judge Holsteins at the Sydney Royal.
His family’s Avonlea herd has achieved exceptional success and has twice achieved master breeder status. John is married to Cherie, and they have two children, Luke and Amy.
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