HE doesn’t come from a farming background, but Clayton Ray, Narellan, NSW, has taken out champion beef handler, at the 2017 Royal Melbourne Show.
Mr Ray said he was introduced to the cattle industry in year 7, where he studied at Elizabeth Macarthur High School, in his home town.
“I’ve been to a lot of shows, but this is my first year competing at the Royal Melbourne Show, I’m really fortunate to have won,” Mr Ray said.
“I’ve been showing at a lot of local years for about seven years now.”
The 19 year-old has graduated from high school, and is now studying agricultural science at Charles Sturt University, NSW.
“I’ve become really passionate about the industry, I want to influence more and more young people to get involved,” he said.
“I haven’t decided exactly where I want my studies to take me, but I definitely want to stay in ag, maybe as an ag teacher or something.”
Mr Ray was selected from the 16-25 years class, and beat Alex Martin, Mortlake (under 12 years), Hayley Doohan, Finley, NSW (12-16 years), and Cassie Coombe, Harrington Park, NSW (over 25 years), to take out the ultimate title.
Judge Geordie Elliot, GC Livestock, said Mr Ray was “amazing”.
“He presented his animal beautifully all day, every time I changed positions, he moved the animal to match my view,” Mr Elliot said.
“He did an exceptional job.”
Following the beef handlers competition was the Waterford Charolais Youth Team Challenge.
The winners were a group of young people from the Hamilton region.
See all of the photos below.