Peter Falls recognised at Sydney Royal

But being named a “show champion” of the Sydney Royal recently for his continuing dedication to the event this year turned him into a much sought-after celebrity by the metropolitan media.

Never too lost for words, when asked why he received the award, he decided the judges must have been after somebody who showed cattle – and could talk all about it.

Mr Falls (pictured), of Malton Shorthorns, Finley, led his first animal at the Royal at the age of six.

He remembers the days before cattle were weighed and clipped and the days when “dust coats” – first grey, then white and coloured – were all the rage ahead of a move to breed vests.

He counts his interbreed wins as his favourite memories from the show, where he’s now as regular a fixture as the ferris wheel.

This year, the next generation of Falls – his children, Andrea, Lachie and Suzanne – were by his side, as well as his father, Ron, “which is always an achievement when you’re 83”.

With the family having done it tough – their 800-cow herd has battled several years of drought and regularly been sent on agistment – Mr Falls appreciated the recognition.

“You don’t take these things lightly because someone’s had to recognise what you’ve done – lots of people have done things in the cattle industry that haven’t been recognised,” Mr Falls said.

See pages 16-20 for the Sydney Show report.