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.

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 the National Junior Heifer Show and at the International Show. The award will be based on a combination of genomic PPR, genomic NM$, and the show placing. This award was inaugurated with the National Junior Heifer Show in 2017   Entrant must stand in the top 50% of their class (or top 5 if less than 10 shown in class) to qualify and a copy of the genomic results from any accredited testing lab must be submitted to the national office at least 30 days prior to show date. If a tie breaker is needed, the animal placing the highest in her respective class will win.

Winner of Genomic Merit Heifer Award International 2023

  Presented to Tanner & Dennis Mashek, Calmar, IA, for Hilltop Acrs D Tiana ETV

National Show Reports

Following is a List of the Qualifying Shows: