Jersey girls

Thismeant both were in their element when the family competed at International Dairy Week in Tatura in January.

Mum Lauren Swadesir and grandmother Janette Falls share a love of cows with the youngsters, and participate as a family when attending the shows and in preparation for any events.

Lauren and Janette both work for Elders Finley, and Janette has successfully bred her winning line of olive heifers from a reserve champion jersey cow from IDW in 2014.

This year the family showed five jersey cows. Lauren entered three from her Top Shelf herd, while Janette entered two from her Pasadena herd.

The family came away with one win, two fourth placings and two sixth placings.

Janette’s winning heifer was an autumn yearling ‘Pasadena Gentry Olive’ who won in the senior yearling class.

Lauren said as a family “we are passionate (about dairy cows); it’s in our genes”.

“It’s a generational thing. It dates back to my grandfather who loved showing at the Royal Sydney Show.

“It’s nice to give the kids the opportunity that both mum and I have had; they love it.

“They are passionate, hands on and very capable around the cows and farm life.

“This is the second year of the show for the girls. You are not permitted to lead until you are eight, but last year the girls came second in the fancy dress class as that is open to any age.”

Lauren said the girls love pottering around the farm with their nan and help with the preparation that goes into showing.

“We all start preparing for a show a few months beforehand with extra feeding, watering, grooming and teaching to lead.

“The girls love it and as three generations of Jersey girls we love this time as a family who all share the same passion,” she concluded.