WITH a reputation as one of the finest events of its type in the country, the Landmark CGU SA Junior Heifer Expo attracts entrants from across the country - including the Apple Isle.
Jason Colgan, Daman Sims and Jack Febey travelled from Sheffield in Tas to take part, and say they will take home a wealth of knowledge obtained in the four days.
The youngest of the group, 14-year-old Jack, has been handling cattle for three years, while Daman and Jason - both 15 - are in their first and second year of handling cattle.
The trio shows cattle for Dean and Diane Way from Spring Park Angus, and were encouraged to attend the expo by the stud owners.
"Our school has a pretty strong cattle handling team back in Tasmania, and we lead privately with Dean and Diane Way, and they thought it would be good to bring us up here for a look," Jason said.
Not being able to bring cattle from Tas for the event, the boys led Red Angus heifers from Drayton Park and Jillangolo studs.
They say handling an unfamiliar animal presented some challenges, but added they were grateful to be able to take part.
"When you break them in you grow a bond with them, but here we haven't had that opportunity, so we've had to get to know them over the past couple of days," Jason said.
He said the trio had noticed some differences between cattle preparation in SA and Tas.
"It's a bit different to how we do it back in Tassie. There're a few small differences in things like grooming the cattle - they'll shave their tail so the rear end looks bigger - and how they tie the cattle up and what halters they use as well," Jason said.
Jack said it was important to have a positive mindset when entering the show ring, adding that paying attention to instructions from the judge and stewards was vital. Daman also said positivity was a big factor.
"Always have fun and smile. It doesn't matter if you win or lose - it's all part of showing," he said.
While the animals were not always on their best behaviour, Jason said it was important to remain calm.
"One of the biggest things is not to get angry with your animal," he said.
"If she does play up you don't want to show to the judges that you're angry because you'll look like a bad sport."