Switzerland's Elite Brown Swiss Cows Compete at IGBS Night 2026
The IGBS Night 2026 will bring together top Brown Swiss cows at the St. Gallen Exhibition Center on February 20. Around 100 cows will compete across ten categories in one of Switzerland's most prestigious livestock events near me. Judging begins at 4:30 p.m. with first-calf heifers, followed by an auction of selected animals.
The event is organised by a committee led by president Peter Frei. Renowned judge Heini Stricker from Mörschwil, St. Gallen, will assess the animals. His last judging at the IGBS Show in 2012 saw a different breed standard—today's cows produce over 9,000 kg of milk per lactation, with better udder health, higher protein content, and improved functional traits like fertility and longevity. Modern animals also appear more angular and refined compared to the robust types of the past.
Only cows ranking in the top 20% for protein yield breeding values qualify for the show. Those with lower breeding values may still enter if they've completed a standard lactation in the top 20% of the breed average. After the first-calf heifer judging, Junior Champions will be selected, and the auction will follow.
Traditionally, the IGBS Show attracts 300–400 Brown Swiss cows annually. This year's event continues the tradition of high standards and competitive breeding excellence.
The IGBS Night 2026 offers breeders a chance to showcase elite Brown Swiss cows. Detailed information, including entry requirements and schedules, is available at www.igbs.ch or the official Facebook page. The event remains a key date for livestock enthusiasts and industry professionals.
