“SPECTACULAR” was a well used phrase to describe the winner of the Grand Champion Guernsey at this year’s International Dairy Week.

Rockmar Miami Graceful has had a stellar rise to the top after being judged reserve intermediate champion as a three year old in 2017.

Rockmar had rapidly developed since last year’s IDW according to Tyson Shea who led the heifer for parents Mark and Roxanne Shea, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria.

He said the now four year old had been set for this year’s event, calving in October.

After this year’s success she would be bred back and set for another appearance at IDW in 2019, he said.

“It’s pretty exciting to see what she will do as a five and six year old.

“It actually puts pressure on us to make sure she continues that development.”

Guernsey judge Patty McMurray, Pennsylvania, United States, said the champion was “right on the money”.

Mrs McMurray first saw the cow when placing her first in a class she described as “spectacular”.

She said Rockmar had great style, spread between the ribs and strength.

Rockmar was a beautiful representative of the breed.

Rockmar was also judged best udder of the Guernsey show.

Intermediate champion was Brookleigh TMBluebird from L.F. and J.M. Cleggett, Glencoe, South Australia.

The three year old was 11 months in milk but “still showing tremendous dairyness”, Mrs McMurray said.

“The longer they were out here the more I liked her.”

In the junior section it was the Joyce family, Kyabram, Victoria, that won with Kalaso Kinsman March.

Mrs McMurray said the heifer, by Kalaso Yogibear Kinsman, “put it all together”.

GUERNSEY

Grand champion: Rockmar Miami Graceful, M & R Shea, Bacchus Marsh, Vic.

Senior champion: Rockmar Miami Graceful.

Reserve: Florando SD Koala 7, Joyce Family, Kyabram, Vic.

Best udder: Rockmar Miami Graceful.

Intermediate champion: Brookleigh TM Bluebird, LF & JM Cleggett, Glencoe, SA.