RIVERINA teenager Nikki Williamson is a step closer to establishing her own Hereford stud after winning a registered heifer at the Herefords Australia Youth National Heifer Show in Melbourne on Saturday.
Miss Williamson, 18, was deemed the young handler having the most potential as a cattle breeder from the 11 finalists.
The award was judged by Tim Woodham, Tasmania; Herefords Australia directors Peter Sykes, Longford, and Ken Ikin, Bannister, NSW; and Herefords Australia Youth vice-president Brandon Sykes, Longford.
Miss Williamson, Finley, NSW, was presented with 11-month-old heifer Mawarra Miss Titania 498, a Devon Court Advance 5052 daughter donated by Mawarra Herefords, Longford.
Heifer show co-ordinator Mr Sykes said her overall enthusiasm, willingness to help junior members and commitment to the breed set her apart from other finalists.
Miss Williamson, a Year 12 student at Finley High School, serves as secretary of Herefords Australia Youth and is keen to start her own stud.
"I love agriculture and want to pursue a career in the beef industry,'' she said.
Mr Sykes said 40 entrants aged from eight to 24 years enjoyed a packed program of industry speakers, demonstrations and competition.
Elm Vale Showtime 17, exhibited by Mikayla Sutherland, was named junior champion heifer, while the intermediate champion heifer title went to Mawarra Minerva 933, shown by Taylah Sykes.
Cloverlee Secrecy J321, shown by Helen DeCosta, was senior champion heifer, and went on to be sashed grand champion heifer.
Mikayla Sutherland was awarded champion peewee parader, while in the junior classes, Jordan Alexander was champion parader.
Taylah Sykes won the intermediate division, while Dean McGuire was named senior and grand champion parader amson reserve senior champion.
The 18-year-old began breeding Angus cattle at his Bathurst, NSW stud Diamond Park Livestock in 2007, and last year added a Poll Hereford stud into the mix.
Business was going well this year with the cows "breeding the house down", Mr McGuire said.
Judge Tim Woodham from Bracknell, Tasmania, said the young studmaster's presence in the ring and control over his heifer set him apart from the others.
"The (heifers) can drop the bundle sometimes, but he kept her calm and kept it together which took skill," Mr Woodham said.
In the junior judging, Claire Noonan was champion of the peewee division, while Angela Hughes took out the championship in the junior division.
Ruby Canning was awarded the intermediate championship while Kane Sparkes was named senior champion.
Angela Hughes emerged from the junior ranks to take the grand championship.
In the herdsman competition, the winners were Bronte Bowles (peewee), Alicia Trovatello (junior), Mitchell Grey (intermediate) and Brittney Henry (senior).
Mr Sykes said the feedback from participants was positive, with all enjoying the hands-on cattle selection, grooming and parading demonstrations.
– KIM WOODS
