Big ribbon for young Australian Lowline stud

The 19 year-old started his Cann Valley Australian Lowline stud, based at Cann River, four years ago, after moving in with his aunty, Rotherwood Australian Lowline stud principal Vicki Gilbert, who inspired a career in agriculture.

Mr Cooney admitted he knew nothing about cattle before working with his aunty, and thought “ever cow was black and white”.

But he’s come a long way, and said winning supreme was humbling recognition.

The cow, now three and a half years-old, had her first calf-at foot, an eight month-old.

She had taken out champion of the breed at big shows at Sydney, Canberra and Rockhampton, Qld, but this would be her last show.

Mr Cooney said she had always stood out as a show animal, with a nice head and udder.

Judge Lucy Newham, Pandora Murray Grey stud, Woodstock, NSW, said the cow was “my type of female”.

“She’s structurally correct, has all the carcase you want in a female, as well as overall refinement and balance,” Ms Newham said.

“If she can produce a calf like that, you know she’s going to have a lot of productive benefit to the herd.”

She was also pleased with the champion bull of the breed, by Wanamara Australian Lowline stud, Major Plains.

“You can see the amount of red meat he’s got in his carcase, and that’s what this is all about,” she said.

“He’s got a nice, sirey outlook.”