The Landmark CGU SA Junior Heifer Expo has inspired many entrants to pursue a career in the beef industry and organisers are hoping to add a few more to the list this year.
Entries close next week – June 1 – for the Expo, to be held from July 17 to 20, at the Adelaide Showground.
For more than 30 years the event has been an enduring success, attracting about 180 participants from across Australia and New Zealand each year.
Heifer Expo coordinator Justine Fogden encouraged anyone aged eight to 23, with an interest in the cattle industry, to participate in four days of fun and learning.
“The beef industry is doing well but there are also lots of new technologies in ag which we need young people to take up,” she said. “It is not just about working with stud cattle – we have a strong commercial focus too.”
With many entrants coming back year after year, Mrs Fogden says the committee works hard to introduce new content to the program.
This year’s topics will include animal health and the new national approach to bovine johnes disease management, junior judging, the live export industry and emerging technologies such as drones and walk-over weighing systems.
Mrs Fogden says it is great to see many entrants forming lasting friendships with other like-minded youth and also going on to tertiary study in agriculture.
“If we can get two or three kids who decide each year they want to choose a career in agriculture we have achieved what we set out to do and hopefully it is a lot more,” she said.
Naracoorte High School will be out in force with seven students sourcing animals from local breeders.
Agriculture teacher Emma Phillips says the Expo is great for teaching the members of their led steer show team new skills and building their confidence.
“Events such as the Heifer Expo expose our students to real life situations and encourage a learning of responsibility, trust, teamwork and accountability,” she said.
“It makes our students better prepared to enter the workforce and enjoy all that the beef industry has to offer.”
Year 11 student Angus Pilmore, who is back for his second year, says it is a great experience preparing cattle and getting to know the stud breeders.
Each participant is required to enter a stud heifer from fully weaned to 22 months, or a commercial milk-tooth heifer or steer between 280 kilograms and 650kg.
Those unable to bring their own animal may be able to source a ballot animal. There is also an option for novices to just attend the educational program to get a taste of the Expo.
- Details: Apply online at jhe.sabeef.com.au
