IT'LL be a busy and exhilarating few weeks for Nilma North dairy farmer Karl Munden, who will show cattle in the Ayrshire feature show at this year's International Dairy Week (IDW) and then fly to Finland to represent Australia in an international youth Ayrshire competition.
Karl, 22, was chosen as the Australian entry thanks to his experience and enthusiasm for the breed.
He and parents Adrian and Gail and older brother Tony had stud cows in New Zealand before the family moved to Australia in 2009, but their association with the breed goes back even further -- Adrian's father milked Ayrshires in England and New Zealand.
They bought their first Ayrshire stud cows in Australia in 2011 at the Midway Park dispersal sale. During the three stage dispersal the family bought 63 cows; so the family history with the breed now spans three generations and three countries.
Karl also bought 28 cows from the Eastern View dispersal last March and used genetic material from across the globe in an artificial insemination (AI) program.
The Mundens breed for type and functionality, so their cattle exemplify the Ayrshire strengths of moderate frames and longevity.
The 150 stud animals (including young stock) run as part of the commercial herd of about 700 cows and 400 other stock run on 445 hectares, and have to perform in this situation.
"They're in a big herd and they have got to do their job as a dairy cow before they do their job as a show cow," Karl said.
Munden Farms has enjoyed some top-five placings at IDW, and Karl is hoping to improve upon it this year in his third time showing. He will take five head including two milkers and three young stock.
"IDW is a great exposure for the stud and an opportunity to meet like-minded people."
At last year's IDW, he bought Boldview Faraway Dreamer. The August 2013-drop heifer went onto win junior reserve champion at the Royal Melbourne Show.
He will put his showmanship again to the test at Finland's annual Ayrshire show – the Ayrshire Winter Show 2015 at the end of the month.
Karl is excited to be going on the eight-day trip to Finland, during which he and other young Ayrshire enthusiasts from across the globe will visit farms and industry sites (including Viking Genetics' bull centre), and then compete in trimming, judging and showmanship competitions.
The overall winner of the Youth Tour competition will then go onto judge the junior handler and showmanship competitions of Finland's Ayrshire Winter Show.
