Success at Numurkah Autumn Beef Festival

It gave the keen students another opportunity to strengthen their cattle handling-skills.

“We had very few spring shows to follow Melbourne Royal with all the flooding,” head teacher Robyn O’Leary said.

“February can be a challenging time to prepare and show cows, with that Friday (before the show) being a 40°C day.”

The day’s first class started successfully, with Chelsea Singleton parading Tori for first place in the under 6-month heifer class.

Claire Ingram and Erin Chesworth then paraded Stephanie and Superb Tammy in the 12-18 month old heifer class.

Claire was excited that her favourite cow, Stephanie, was awarded first place.

Erin gained third place with Tammy.

Showgirl, like her mother Kathleen, was a dream for Erica Hammond to lead around the ring.

She won the 24-36 month class and went on to be Reserve Senior Champion cow.

“We look forward to having Showgirl calve in May,” said Mrs O’Leary.

Pippa and her calf Tori were led by Jebidiah and Lillianna MeyerVale and did well in a strong over 36-month-old class to receive fourth place.

“We also took two young bulls in preparation for future shows,” said teacher Gary Webb.

Thor and Theo were led by Erica Hammond and Jebidiah but were unplaced.

Lilly McNamara did a lovely job parading Turbo - a steer destined for Melbourne Royal later this year.

“As always, we had a range of cattle in groups, giving particularly our less experienced students the chance to be exposed to showing under the eye of a watchful judge,” Mr Webb said.

“Emma Casanova and Sara and Erin Hayes all showed growth in their skills since the Melbourne Royal last year.

“In the individual handlers’ classes, the students were able to showcase their skills under judge Tom Isedale, who also developed his love of cattle when attending Finley High and participating in numerous shows as a youngster.”

Sara won the novice handlers class, Erica placed third and Chelsea placed fourth.

In the 12-15 age group, Lilly placed first, Lilliana second, and Erica fourth.

In the 16 and over class, Erin Chesworth placed second and was awarded the Reserve Champion parader ribbon.

Claire placed third and Jebidiah placed fourth.

In the junior judging, Erin continued to excel in her appraisal of animals, winning the class.

Lilliana placed second, Erica third and Jebidiah fourth.

“Thank you to the Numurkah Show Society for giving us these opportunities and to one of our supportive community members, David Marsden, who loaned us his truck to transport the livestock,” Mrs O’Leary said.

“Thanks also to the Ingrams for assisting with transporting the students to and from the show, we are very appreciative.”