Young people with a passion for agriculture will have the chance to build their knowledge this weekend as the Hereford Northern NSW Youth Group hosts their annual heifer show at the Inverell Showgrounds.
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Around 70 entrants, from far north Queensland to out west, will take part in the youth-orientated event.
With a mixture of talks from industry leaders and friendly competition, the show will help many narrow down their career path. It aims to give youth without agricultural backgrounds the same opportunities as those coming from farming families.
“We try and get the word out so that kids who aren’t from farm backgrounds and things like that, can have a go and gain an interest in agriculture, because ag is going to boom with the population boom - we need more people interested in it,” promotions officer Jessie Ryder said.
“So if we can get kids who have nothing to do with it, as well as kids who are farmers already (to) love it even more, then that’s good. Just like anything, you want to have a future in it, and the youth shows help that to happen.”
Held from 8am-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the show has a strong emphasis on teamwork and good sportsmanship. The most sought after title; herdsman, is awarded to competitors who are good tempered, take care of the cattle and help others.
“That’s the prize most kids worry about,” Jessie said. Aged between 7-25 years, competitors are encouraged to share their knowledge with one another.
Sunday will be best suited for spectators, with the junior judging, parading and cattle classes. The junior judging trains competitors in spotting ideal cattle, while parading is a chance for youth to learn how to present the animals professionally, and class ribbons are valuable for selling and participating in future shows. Ballot heifers will be available for competitors without access to their own cattle.
Participants will also benefit from a series of talks from meat industry professionals, focusing on marketing, meat, fat, herds and breeding.
“It really helps them learn things. And they’re all having fun with their friends, so I think they hold onto it a bit more,” Jessie said.
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