Baileys Champion Cow competition returns to Virginia Show
Diageo Ireland in partnership with its cream supplier Tirlán, today (Friday, July 4) announced the return of the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition at the Virginia Show on August 20
Celebrating the excellence of Ireland’s Holstein Friesian dairy herds, the event remains a showcase of the quality behind Baileys' signature ingredient - Irish dairy cream.
Attending the launch of the competition, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, praised the long-running competition as a symbol of pride in dairy farming and the herds behind the ‘hero’ ingredient in Baileys.
Minister Heydon said: "It’s an honour to officially launch the 2025 Baileys Champion Cow competition – a proud celebration of the excellence, care and commitment that define Irish dairy farming.
"This standout event highlights the grass-based dairy breeding practices that our skilled farmers are known for and underpins the success of one of our most iconic global brands and our all-island geographical indication, Irish Cream."
Minister Heydon added that the success of Irish cream is "a testament to the quality of our agri-food sector, which continues to deliver premium produce enjoyed around the world".
"I commend Diageo and Tirlán for recognising the vital role of Irish dairy farmers and for continuing to spotlight the best of Irish agriculture through this competition, for showcasing our quality Irish cream globally and for supporting the future sustainability of the agri-food sector.
" I wish all entrants the very best ahead of this year’s Virginia Show," he added.
Reflecting Baileys all-island supply footprint, entry to the Diageo Baileys Cow is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI.
Corporate relations director at Diageo Ireland, Shane Kelly said: “We are delighted to champion the exceptional quality of Irish dairy cream – the heart of every bottle of Baileys.
"This annual event is a standout moment in the year to recognise dairy breeding practices.
"We are excited to return to the Virginia Show in August when we look forward to recognising the dedication of top Holstein Friesian breeders and crowning the 2025 Diageo Baileys Champion.”
Senior sales manager at Tirlán, Carol Power said: “Our dedicated suppliers continue to deliver exceptional quality cream from carefully managed herds, helping to ensure Baileys is enjoyed by consumers around the globe.
"We’re proud to partner with Diageo in celebrating the excellence, innovation and commitment of Irish family farms through this unique competition that has been running for over 40 years.”
The competition’s top prize, Diageo Baileys Champion, comes with a cash reward of €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup.
The breeders of Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention will receive €1,500 and €800 respectively.
Additionally, the event on August 20 will feature numerous other category prizes, including Junior Cows in their second lactation, with a total prize fund of €1,550.
The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category will also offer €1,550, with €750 awarded to the first-place winner.
