A RED cow is quickly climbing the ranks in the dairy world, after winning the supreme champion Illawarra title at the Royal Melbourne Dairy Show this week.
Justin and Brooke Evans, who run the Three Creeks Illawarra stud at Great in North East Victoria, Three Creeks Fanta, said Three Creeks Fanta had certainly proven herself.
Last year she placed first in the four-year-old class for the Victorian Red Cow On Farm Challenge, and has several International Dairy Week ribbons under her belt.
And at Melbourne on Tuesday, the five-year-old was given the senior cow broadribbon, before backing that up with supreme.
Judge David Kuhl, of Mt Gambier, SA, said Fanta was a real credit to the breeder.
"I couldn't go past her, with that width and height," Mr Kuhl said.
"She was a clear winner."
Mr Evans was chuffed with the achievement.
"She's done really well…she's our first champion cow," he said, adding she was doing about 50 litres per day at the moment.
"She'll go back to work now."
The couple, who milk 200 cows, also received most successful exhibitor.
The intermediate champion title went to the Hayes family, of Girgarre.
Mr Kuhl said Llandovery JR Joan was an "outstanding" exhibit.
"She's clean and sharp, and carries beautifully," he said.
Taya Hayes, 14, who was leading for her parents Tony and Ellyse, said the winning heifer had not previously been shown.
The Hayes also nabbed junior champion Illawarra with their entry, Llandovery Blushes Jinny 1158, and reserve with Cherrylock Maldas Pride.
Mr Kuhl added that he was impressed with the line-up of Illawarras.
"It wasn't a big number, but the quality was very good," he said.
