Judge, Anthony Norman, reports that he and wife Belinda, were warmly received by Mt Pleasant Show participants who were disappointed to tell the Normans that unfortunately numbers where down (A problem Australia wide). Not that this was relevant as the Judge reports that the quality of cattle he had the opportunity to judge was extremely high.

"I was very impressed throughout on the quality of udders that were paraded before me and my broad ribbon winners' quality would make them more than competitive at any Royal around Australia," said Anthony.

"After judging was completed Belinda and I were invited to make our way to Murray Bridge and stay with Neville and Marie Muller, whose warm hospitality was appreciated.

Unfortunately I gave Neville a bit of a headache as we only had one day for Neville to give us a guided tour of some dairy herds so we set out 8.30 on Sunday morning, first heading to see the Blackwood Park herd of approx 200 head of Illawarras in the 500 cow herd.  After seeing this operation you can see why the Altman family have such success in production figures.

We then headed to The Treeton Illawarras stud (Williams Family) where we were lucky enough to see a beautiful 400 strong milking herd on the feed pad and loafing paddocks. It had been October since the girls had been out to graze, although Geoff was hopeful that more rain was on its way and the shower a few days previous had started a green shoot already. This was a very impressive herd and a pleasure Belinda and I were grateful for. A special big thank you for the lovely lunch that Rosemary cooked for us.

Our third and final visit took us too Springvale Stud right on milking time where this totally organic 230 Illawarra herd were content and dripping milk. A real impressive milky herd and I got the pleasure to cup up my best udder cow and the junior champ from the day before. Notable where the Springvale Brigadier daughters.

7pm. So that was to conclusion of our day, we were very disappointed that we had commitments back in Sydney with my specialist. (We all know how long it takes to see specialist so we dare not cancel) There where many breeders we would have really liked to have caught up with and please accept apologies for not being able to see them.

In conclusion an enormous thank you for the generosity of  Neville and Marie for opening there beautiful home to us, and the time, feeding and watering us.  Thank you also David Altman, The Williams family and Warren for the precious time you gave us and the delight in seeing your lovely ladies, it is so nice to see herds that make it clear our breed seems to be heading into good times."

Broad ribbon winners were:

Senior Champion Cow - JC Altmann & Son with Blackwood Park Susie 56

Reserve Senior Cow - JC Altmann & Son with Blackwood Park Princess 30

Junior Champion Illawarra Female - WN&CA Doecke with Springvale Rose 44

Reserve Junior Champion - Rupert Gazzola with Panorama Duchess 5

Supreme Champion Illawarra Female - JC Altmann & Son with Blackwood Park Susie 56

Most Successful - JC Altmann & Son