The Tanbark Trail

Whether at a local or national level, from the first shows ever held -- up through today, shows have been a means for breeders to promote their cattle to other breeders. It is an important part of marketing that can also be the fun part of dairy farming.

Shows are common around the world-North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In the Brown Swiss breed, it starts with the local canton show, then state shows and fairs on up to regional and national shows. The first national show was held over 100 years ago and they are still going strong today.

Five National Shows

Currently the National Association hosts five national shows from coast to coast in the US. They are:

• Northeast National, West Springfield, MA
• Eastern National, Harrisburg, PA
• International, Madison, WI
• Southwestern National, Stillwater, OK
• Southeast National, Louisville, KY

The International show, held as part of World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, is the largest show. Each year, more than 300 head of Brown Swiss are shown and the show attracts visitors from around the world.

National Show Reports

All-American

One of the most important programs connected to showing is the All-American contest. Each year, an All-American, a Reserve All-American and an Honorable Mention All-American animal or group is selected for each of the 20 different show classes. The winners are selected based on the current year’s show winnings from national shows or any of 30 qualifying shows in the U.S. and Canada. Being named All-American is a great honor and adds to the pedigree value of the animal and her family.

One of the most important aspects of showing is the youth involvement.  Showing is a learning experience that is both competitive and fun. For most people in the dairy industry, their love of the dairy cow, work ethics, and goals in life were cultivated at a young age by showing a calf at the local fair.

Genomic Merit Award

The Genomic Merit Award will be presented to the highest genomic heifer at a national show. The award will be based on a combination of genomic PPR, genomic NM$, and the show placing. This is a new award inaugurating with the National Heifer Show in 2017 and will be implemented at the National Heifer Show & the International Show in 2018.  Entrant must stand in the top 10 of their class to qualify and a copy of the genomic results must be submitted to the national office 30 days prior to show date.

Winner of Genomic Merit Heifer Award

Following is a List of the Qualifying Shows: