FIFTEEN year-old Ruby Canning, of Mavstar Simmentals, Mortlake, has been crowned Stud Beef Victoria Handlers Competition champion.
The passionate young breeder who won her 15-18 year-old age group was awarded the title after judge Tai Snaith said her connection between animal and judge was flawless.
"I was looking for handlers that were calm, self-assured, friendly and open in their disposition – I wanted their animals to reflect that," Ms Snaith said.
"Ruby was unflappable. She was friendly and you could tell that she is a professional."
The nearly 100 entrants in the three age groups were assessed on their ability to work with their animal while showcasing their exhibit to the judge.
Ms Snaith made a special mention of the winner of the 12 and under 15 years age group winner, Harry Turnham, of Barregowa Lowline stud, Gisborne, for his eagerness, saying "in the future he will definitely be up there as a winner".
In the 18-25 year-old age group, Michaela Glasser, daughter of notable auctioneer Michael Glasser, of GTSM, showed that good animal husbandry runs in the family after she won her age group.
"We want to make young handlers strive to be professional," Ms Snaith said.
"It is advertising yourself too because majority of the exhibitors didn't have their own animals, which is encouraging to see them working and making an income in this industry.
"There is more to showing than a pretty face – you also have to be pragmatic and informative."
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
