THE Vernon Steel Swan Hill Cattle Show is regaining momentum, with 84 cattle entered in the third year since the show date was moved.
This year Barham local Maddy Telford took out the titles of Supreme of the Show – All Breeds, Grand Champion Beef Female and Champion All Breeds – Senior Female with her Red Angus MGT Whisper.
Murray Van der Drift from Macorna demonstrated his family’s longstanding passion for Black Diamonds, earning the Champion Feature Bull, Champion All Breeds – Senior Female and Grand Campion Beef Bull sashes.
Chief steward Scott Bruton said that as the northern district’s largest, the Swan Hill Cattle Show gave producers and breeders a chance to showcase the best of cattle in the area.
“It was a successful show this year with so many head of cattle, and the quality was really good,” Mr Bruton said.
“The results that come from showing the cattle give us a way of collecting and appraising data of the stock and end-product for each breeder.
“As people come out to the shows and have a look at the stock and awards are given out, it also is a form of advertising for the breeders.”
Cattle show steward Carol Sutton said before organisers moved the show to take place before the Royal Melbourne Show, numbers had dwindled to 20 to 30 cattle exhibited.
“We had about 20 junior handlers across the judging classes this year, which is the biggest number in a long time,” Ms Sutton said.
“It’s an opportunity for up-and-comers in the industry to get involved.”
Exhibitors were drawn from throughout Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, with one travelling 500 kilometres to compete.
As most exhibitors will enter the Melbourne Show as well, the Swan Hill show serves as a precursor and an opportunity to gain more show experience.
The hoof and hook show will be held after the Melbourne Show, continuing as the last remaining event of its type in northern Victoria.
