Youth were encouraged to participate, with specific classes for them to enter, at this year’s Central Gippsland Jersey Fair, held at Warragul on April 15.
Ariat sponsored five encouragement awards, that were presented to Holly Anderson from Drouin West, Alexis Allen from Cobargo, Bonnie Ross from Heath Hill, Tana Reid from Trafalgar and Jackson Collins from Kyabram.
“We wanted to place an emphasis on encouraging the youth to show cattle,” Jersey Fair Organising Committee coordinator Reece Attenborough said.
Of the 20 classes on show at the Jersey Fair, some were specific for youth handlers.
“There was a class each for the junior, intermediate and senior age groups,” Reece said.
“Cattle shown in the three Heifer in Milk classes were handled by junior handlers.”
Many young handlers participated in leading in most of the classes.
There were also classes for specific age groups.
Handlers 10 years and under was awarded to Austin Ferris. Handlers 11 to 14 years was awarded to Piper McDonald. Handlers 15 to 21 years was awarded to Abbie Hanks.
Holly Anderson from Drouin West is on the coordinating committee for the Jersey Fair and involved in Gippsland’s Young Dairy group.
Alexis Allen from Cobargo exhibited her own animal at the Jersey Fair and led cattle for a number of people.
Bonnie Ross from Heath Hill showed cattle at the Jersey Fair, leading her family’s cows and heifers around the ring.
“They both also help out on their parents’ farms, as do all these youth,” Reece said.
“At the Jersey Fair, Bonnie was noticed because of her marked enthusiasm, keenness and development during the day.”
Tana Reid from Trafalgar showed cattle at the Jersey Fair and has become well travelled, participating regularly in other shows.
“You can see a fair spark in Tana for what she’s doing,” Reece said.
Jackson Collins from Kyabram, at nine-years-old, was the youngest participant to receive an encouragement award.
“He is showing cattle well, and exhibited an animal competently, led in the Junior 2yo in milk class,” Reece said.
The participation by so many young people was commended by judge Roger Heath of Wanstead Jerseys.
“The junior side of the show was very strong,” Roger said.
“It’s really nice to see that amount of kids there, having a go. It’s really exciting for the dairy industry.
“There were about eight kids parading in the under-10yo class. That’s where the future of our industry is.
“In the intermediate section, those kids are really learning the ropes of preparing and showing cattle.
“In the senior youth classes, there were four to five young people that I’d be more than happy for them to handle my cattle in a show.
“You couldn’t ask for better.”