For the second year running, local Black Angus breeder, Benalong Grazing, gained top points to take out the 2019 Gingin Heifer Competition on March 28.
Twenty pens of the region’s best heifers were judged on 13 different farming properties. Judging commenced early with the observers travelling in convoy from farm to farm throughout the day. This year’s competition featured thirteen breeders from the Gingin area, including 3 stud breeders.
The heifers from the 2018 drop were judged on their suitability as future breeders. Points were awarded for temperament, structural soundness, femininity, carcass quality and evenness of pen. Benalong Grazing heifers were shown by Mr Roe’s son, Lewis. The pen of four Black Angus heifers were aged eleven months scoring 89 points out of a possible 100. Coming in close behind was George Gifford, awarded second place with his pen of four Black Angus heifers and a total score of 87.
Showing consistent placement for a third year running, James Redford of Mogumber Holdings, was awarded third place with 86 points for his Black Angus heifers, and Alan Greenwell and Brad Alp tied for fourth place with 84 points.
The trophy for the best four stud heifers was won by Dale Jansen of Fernwood Farm with her Black Angus, Brenden Howard of Kamarah was second with four Speckle Park heifers.
At the Bendigo Bank Lunch, the travelling crowd were treated to a rare visit to Moondah Brook Vineyard. Manager, Brad Turner, explained the 50 year history of the vineyard while everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch produced by Selga Beckwith on the shaded lawn.
For a second year running, Richard Metcalfe of the Koojan Hills, Angus Stud, Mt Many Peaks was the guest judge. Mr Metcalfe said, “The majority of the entries contained three very good heifers, but what determined the place getters was the standard of the fourth heifer.The winners were very good pens of heifers displaying all the attributes required for longevity as breeding females. The competition is very strong and the standard of the cattle in the Gingin area is admirable.”
Competition winners were announced at the wind-up event at the Red Gully Fire Shed. After touring the local district during the day, competitors and followers enjoyed tender 100-day grain fed steaks sponsored by S & C Livestock. Each year, the traditional wind-up event raises funds for charity. This year guests pitched in to raise $500 for the Chittering-Gingin St John’s Ambulance Sub-centre.
Competition organiser, Mr George Gifford thanked Richard Metcalfe for judging. “Over the years Gingin cattle breeders have learned a lot about their cattle through taking part in the competition. Judge’s comments are well attended to by all competitors and the quality of animals on show demonstrated just how successful the competition has been in improving the quality of cattle in the Gingin district,” he said. He also extended his thanks to the competition entrants, and the generosity of sponsors who make the day possible. Sponsors included Margaret and Alan Greenwell W & J Greenwell, Steve Fidge Gingin Districts Community Financial Services Ltd – Bendigo Bank, Rick Derykx Boehringer animal health, Peter Crowe Gingin Fuel and Tyres, Zoetis, Phil and Cameron Petricevitch, S & C Livestock, Rhys Hebberman Primaries, and Greg Neaves Landmark.
Next year, Mr Gifford is handing over organisation of the competition. In 2020 Mr David Roe will take up the role of Competition Organiser and will no doubt continue to encourage breeders in Gingin to strive for excellence for many years to come.
