THE Royal Sydney Easter Show is one of those special occasions where farmers from all over are able to present their cattle, wool or vegetables and compete with the best in the country for the title of champion.
One determined Lake Boga local, 15-year-old Darcy Swan, was successful at this year’s show and managed to score himself Reserve Champion Beef Shorthorn Cow with Spencer Family High Dee’s Klum.
But, as fate would have it, Darcy was beaten to the top spot by another Lake Boga local — his very own cousin, Scott Bruton, who won Champion Beef Shorthorn Cow with Roly Park Jessie.
Mr Bruton’s success didn’t stop there, winning Champion Beef Shorthorn Bull with Shambra Park Albie, as well as taking out the prestigious Beef Shorthorn Supreme Exhibit title.
The cousins work side-by-side preparing the animals for the show most of the year on Mr Bruton’s property.
This is not Darcy’s first foray into showing cattle, having shown his first beef shorthorn heifer at Swan Hill under the guidance of his dad, Leo, and grandfather, Arthur, at just three years of age.
“As parents we believe showing cattle has taught Darcy a great work ethic, including helping others when they need it and that caring for his animals comes before himself.”
Showing cattle is very much a family tradition — Darcy’s older sister Bec shows cattle as well.
Proud mum Fiona said Darcy had put many hours of hard work into preparing his cattle, and believes it has taught him important life lessons.
“As parents we believe showing cattle has taught Darcy a great work ethic, including helping others when they need it and that caring for his animals comes before himself,” she said.
“It has also taught him about the need for kindness and patience when working with animals.”
Darcy shows his cattle under the stud name Swanlea Beef Shorthorns, which he has taken over as principal from his grandparents, the late Arthur Swan and Shirley Swan.
Last year Darcy also won the prestigious title of Beef Shorthorn Member of the Year at the Melbourne show, the first time a junior member has won the award, and he was crowned Lake Boga’s junior citizen of the year on Australia Day.
For more on this story pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (April 15).
