Cow’s first major show sees her take supreme

The three year-old cow was exhibited with a five month-old calf-at-foot, and while she is new to the show ring, came from a successful family.

Hobbs Livestock’s Stuart Hobbs said the cow was out of their main donor cow, who had produced a son that recently sold for $20,000.

Another full sister of the cow won junior champion female, and had been sold prior to Heart & Spade Simmentals, Londonderry, NSW, for $10,000.

But Mr Hobbs said the cow was too important to sell, so would be used as their next donor cow.

“We’ve been focusing on structural correctness and softness, and she’s the perfect example of that,” he said.

Judge Peter Falls, Malton Shorthorns, Finley, NSW, said while it would be easy to put a “pretty” exhibit on top, this cow showed the most potential of all of the exhibits.

“It’s not easy to pick a winner, so it comes down to my person opinion, and something I focus on in my own operation is longevity, and the female shows that by putting a calf like that on the ground,” Mr Falls said.

He said the champion bull, exhibited by Webb Black Simmentals, Glenburn, looked as if it would go on to do a lot for the breed.

“He’s smooth all the way through, and has all the qualities I look for,” he said.

The 11 month-old had been exhibited as a calf-at-foot at Dubbo, NSW, earlier this year, but it was his first go in the show ring by himself.

Webb Black’s Ricky Ferris said he had always been a soft calf, with plenty of muscle.

“He walks well too, which is a plus,” he said.

He said while showing is a great opportunity to showcase their stock, it’s important to stay commercially relevant.

“It’s all about the weaner sales for us, and being able to sell bulls to studs and commercial clients that want them,” he said.

He said they were yet to decide whether the bull would be sold or retained in the stud.