AN unusual birthday request from her daughter originally got Anne Wilson, Grandview, Myrniong, Vic, into breeding Belted Galloways.
For her 21st birthday, Anne's daughter asked for a Belted Galloway cow and calf as her main present.
But in a twist of fate, it was Anne who fell in love with the breed and, eight years down the track, she has a well-established Belted Galloway stud and a stack of ribbons from various shows.
This now includes the 2014 Royal Adelaide grand champion bull after 19-month-old junior champion bull Grandview Joshua triumphed over senior champion Cumbria Helton.
"I know the judge had a tough decision because they are both very similar bulls," Anne said.
Judge Andrew Chapman said both bulls had impressed with their overall balance and good scrotal development.
"They are a fine example of the Galloway breed, and combine a nice doing-ability with a nice carcase shape," he said.
"The winning bull just had a little bit more thickness on top."
Joshua weighed 490 kilograms and had an eye muscle area of 84 centimetres.
* Full report in Stock Journal, September 18, 2014 issue.
