Open Dairy Show Grows with Good Friends, Cattle

By CnAgri Print

The 39th North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) wrapped up the biggest dairy event at the Expo, the 2012 Open Dairy Show that took place at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The Open Dairy Show is a nationally-known event that received over 5,200 entrants from across the country this year, at least 300 more than last year.

Some of the best livestock from seven dairy cattle breeds were on display at the show, including Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red & White.

Open Dairy Show Supreme Champion honors went to Cascadia Iatola Puzzle, a Jersey cow from Cascadia Farm, exhibited by Gene Iager of Pleasant Plain, OH. Iager's Jersey was chosen over champions from six other dairy cattle breeds to win the coveted award.

"I love the association with the people. It's a tremendous opportunity to see good friends and good cattle. I'm excited to be a part of something that's grown the way this has since it started, and a lot of it is because of the people," said David Sparrow, Open Dairy Show Superintendent. Sparrow has been the show's overseer since the Open Dairy Show was established in 1977.

The end of the NAILE Open Dairy Show marks the beginning of another week of Expo action. Within two days of the show closing, the NAILE transforms to become the largest beef cattle and sheep show in the world. Over 12,000 animals will compete in cattle and sheep events this year.

The 39th North American International Livestock Exposition continues until noon on Nov. 16.