There’s obviously an attraction to the cattle section, as spectators gather in great numbers around the parade arena every year.

You might think the crowd would understand the judging process, but this isn’t always the case.

With the Bellingen Show coming up in May, we go behind the scenes with some information from the stewards about how judging works.

In the Bellingen Shire, dairy farming was once prolific with more than a hundred dairies across the valley. However this industry is hard work, seven days a week, and over the years numbers have declined significantly as smaller farms became less viable. Despite this, show organisers have worked hard to grow the dairy category with steady success.

Dairy Cattle Judging:

“Dairy farmers participate in shows to promote their own cattle, as if they win, this makes them more valuable when wanting to sell or get progeny from them,” dairy cattle steward Julie Moore said.

“It’s also a way of benchmarking breeding values to others and being able to show what different sires can do for your cattle.

“Judging is in classes from Under 6 months through to Cows Over 5 years, and is broken up in six-month increments. Each breed is judged individually.

“In each breed a Junior Champion, Intermediate Champion and Senior Champion is awarded and they then compete against each other to see who wins the Supreme Exhibit.

“A best udder and attachment is also awarded and they are selected from the milking cow classes. With just one cow being awarded this title, it is a highly contested award to win.

“Our judge this year is Lindsey Moxey from Singleton. Lindsey has judged many shows throughout the state from small country shows to royal shows and is employed by Elders Pty Ltd Stock & Station as their specialist dairy auctioneer.”

“The Beef Cattle Competition is broken up into categories based on breed and includes Angus, Hereford and Poll Hereford, Simmental, Charolais, Galloway and Belted Galloway,” beef cattle steward Alan Peterson said.

“Each breed is judged within their breed section and the champion is awarded Best of Breed. They are then judged against other ‘Best ofs’ to be awarded Supreme Beef Exhibit.

“Judging is based on the presentation of the animal on the day including colour, shape, size. The background of each animal is not taken into consideration. So in order for them to shine on the day, they’re washed and blow dried, their ears are cleaned, hooves are scrubbed and sometimes even painted!

“In the popular Junior Paraders segment, judging is based on how well they keep their animal under control as well as the owner’s presentation (dress etc). There are two competitions: one for dairy and one for beef. Each carries prize money of $346. The Junior Judging comp carries prize money and stock whip with total value of $500.

“The Beef Cattle Judge this year is Jack Laurie from Armidale’s University of New England and well known Angus Stud Farm, Knowla Livestock, in the Gloucester Valley.

“The youngest competitor in Bellingen Show’s recent history is 10-year-old Kye Gregory from Tamworth. Last year he won Junior Judging and Junior Parading with his own stock from his own stud (at such a young age!). We believe he will be back this year.

“The oldest competitor is 82-year-old old Brian Watts with his Miniature Belted Gallways. Last year he and his wife brought five to the show, three of which were only one to two months of age. When they requested assistance to lead the very young ones in the parade, not surprisingly they were almost knocked over in the rush of volunteers! Organisers believe that Brian will be assisting with judging rather than competing this year.

“Mitch Donovan returns as announcer for the Beef Cattle Awards and will also be introducing the Horses & Cattle onto the Grand Parade.”

Show organisers wish to thank all the sponsors, including major sponsors Ray Donovan Stock & Station Agents, Warren Weick Real Estate, Ray White Rural Dorrigo and Fred Sheridan.

Visit the Bellingen Show website www.bellingenshow.com.au for the judging schedule.

Fact: Did you know … there is a correct way to place a ribbon on a cow for a class winning animal which is completely different for a champion winning ribbon placement?

For full details and enquiries: Alan Peterson 6655 1768 and Nick Hillier 6655 3690.