AUSTRALIA'S premier all-breeds youth beef event - the Landmark CGU SA Junior Heifer Expo - is nearly here for another year, with entries closing on June 1.
The expo, at Adelaide Showground from July 13 to 16, has been an enduring success combining junior judging, show preparation and presentation, with a comprehensive educational program.
Each year about 180 entrants from across Australia and often New Zealand are accommodated at the showground with their animals for the four-day event.
Over its 30-year history the expo has been the foundation for many long friendships and has boosted the knowledge and skills of all participants.
The committee is particularly proud that it has encouraged countless youth to pursue a career in agriculture.
Expo coordinator Justine Fogden said the diverse program and strong educational content set the event apart from other beef youth events.
"It is not just about showing cattle - it is about learning skills about the whole beef industry," she said.
"The networking and contacts kids pick up makes it pretty special."
She said the tremendous support from the whole beef community for the expo made it possible each year, including a network of stud breeders willing to break-in animals for those from interstate or without immediate access to stud or commercial beef cattle.
The expo will start with an opening address by agriculture 'young gun' Alistair Keller, Booleroo Centre, who was the Australian schools-based apprentice of the year in 2012 and is the reigning SA Young Rural Ambassador.
The educational program is also shaping-up well with sessions including marketing, ET, Meat Standards Australia's grading system, nutrition and the National Livestock Identification Scheme tailored to the different age groups.
"We are looking forward to another fantastic Heifer Expo, seeing many familiar faces and meeting many new ones, and putting together an excellent program the kids will take a lot away from," Mrs Fogden said.
Anyone aged from eight to 23 with an interest in the beef industry is encouraged to participate, from novice to the more experienced handlers.
Each participant is required to enter a stud heifer from fully weaned to 22 months, or a commercial milk-teeth heifer or steer between 280 kilograms and 650kg liveweight.
A successful concept introduced a few years ago has been to encourage those with little experience or access to an animal to attend the educational program on the Tuesday to get a taste of the expo.
Many return the following year as competitors, with greater confidence.
There are some fantastic prizes on offer with the senior champion herdsperson awarded a three-month 'trip of a lifetime' study tour of North America, and the reserve champion herdsperson a trip to NZ.
Online entries can be completed at www.jhe.sabeef.com.au before June 1.
Details: Justine Fogden, 08 8587 2272, or info@jhe.sabeef.com.au
Catherine Miller
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
