The Ekka is where the Farmers’ meet to catch up in the city!

For many city folk, the Ekka is the only chance they get to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of country life. Seeing a dairy cow up close or watching them being milked is even less likely to be something they are exposed to outside of Ekka.

The dairy industry has been an important contributor to the rich history of the Ekka dating back to the very first exhibition in 1876, making it one of the RNA’s oldest supporting agricultural industries.

Each year, proud dairy farming families pack up and leave the farm behind to bring their best milking cows to Ekka for judging. Regarded as the most prestigious dairy show in Queensland, a win is seen as the ultimate recognition of the hard work, passion, and many years of selective breeding that goes into producing the best of the best milking cows.

Leaving the farm behind for 8 days is no small undertaking for these farmers. For many, the trip to Ekka is a family affair, and the result of close to 12 months planning and a cost of many thousands of dollars.

Showing dairy cattle runs in their blood - most are 3rd or 4th generation exhibitors.

EastAUSmilk shares our farmers’ pride in their craft, and this year we’re working with the RNA to better connect Ekka visitors with the dairy industry. Our Queensland Dairy stand in the Agricultural Hall showcases and celebrates the many faces of the dairy industry. Farmers, producers and processors have been invited to come together on the stand to share their passion for the industry.

We’re encouraging Ekka visitors to head on over to the Dairy pavilion to meet our farmers and their exceptional dairy cows to recognise our farmers’ efforts to have fresh milk available for families all over Queensland.

Kay Tommerup, EastAUSmilk Director