SMALLER participant numbers didn’t dampen the spirits of the led steer and heifer competition on Thursday with 34 official entrants arriving ring-side.
Judge Bruce McConnel, Grantham, said even though numbers were down, the exhibitors showed high quality cattle.
“They’ve been exceptional for how hard the season’s been and given the price of grain at the moment it’s a credit to the breeders and finishers,” Mr McConnel said.
“The quality of cattle have been consistent throughout all the classes and it’s wonderful to see the producers putting in such an effort.”
Grand champion was awarded to Peter and Pauline Grant, Downfall Limousins, Stanthorpe, with their pure Limousin steer who will now go on to show at Farmfest.
Mr Grant said it was fantastic to have the first time win after breeding the 2013 champion.
“It’s great to be here and to win is just a great feeling,” Mr Grant said.
At the RASQ Dairy Youth Show, Holstein heifer Minash Mammoth Nita 2 gave her parader Sophie Wright reason to sport a sunny smile when she took out Junior and Grand Champion exhibit.
Miss Wright of Gowrie Junction, who has become part of the show team for the Crank family’s Minash Holsteins at nearby Kingsthorpe, would like to work with dairy cattle or horses when she finishes school.
“When you’re showing, you get to know everyone, and I enjoy working with the cattle,” Miss Wright said.
The heifer’s conformation and Miss Wright’s preparation and handling paid off in the eyes of judge Tom Pearce of Bega, NSW.
He put the winner of the heifer aged six to 12 months class ahead of Senior Champion, Leader Holsteins’ Leader Lavanguard Tammy, to become Grand Champion.
“I’m all about balance and this junior heifer has great balance and depth of rib,” Mr Pearce said.
