Held at the Berry Showground, the spring fair traditionally kicks off the local cattle showing season.

Around 40 Illawarra cows, the majority from the local area will be on show, however entries have also been received from as far as Albion Park to Bega.

Cows from seven different farms will contest the show, with classes ranging from under six months to mature cows, over six years in milk.

Grand champion heifers and mature cows will be awarded, while the grand champion Illawarra will take out the coveted Bell Ringer Trophy, a special award donated by the late Don Norman and his family.

Judging starts at 9am with the coveted champion cow to be announced around 11.30am.

This year’s judge is Denman farmer, Brian Parker, who milks a herd of around 250 Illawarra cows in the Upper Hunter.

Members of the public are invited to attend and breakfast and lunch will be available at the grounds.

The annual spring fair dinner will be held at the Stonegrill in Nowra on Thursday night at 7pm.

The 15th annual South Coast and Tablelands Spring Heifer Classic will be staged at the Berry Showground on Sunday, November 20, before local farmers prepare animals for Australia’s International Dairy Week at Tatura, which then leads into the local showing circuit at Kiama, Berry, Nowra, Kangaroo Valley and Milton.