[MEDIA RELEASE] High steaks for Australia’s top beef cattle paraders

Australia's most promising young beef cattle paraders have been announced by Agricultural Shows Australia as eligible to compete in the national finals of the prestigious annual competition to be judged next month.

The competition brings together the best young paraders, aged 15 to 25, from each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification is through success in competitive regional and state competitions. This year, the event will be held at Melbourne Royal Show on 2 October, 2024. 

NEW SOUTH WALES
Miley O'Brien (15) from New South Wales will be representing her state in the beef cattle young paraders competition. Known for her dedication to exhibiting stud cattle, Miley's commitment paid off when she won the prestigious title of NSW State Grand Champion Parader at the 2023 Sydney Royal Show. 

"Representing NSW at this level is a true honour, and I'm excited to be part of it," Miley said.

TASMANIA
Jack Febey (24), who started showing cattle for the Sheffield School Cattle Handling Team in 2012, will represent Tasmania. Jack took a few years off but returned to win the state final after being encouraged by his brother and partner. 

"It's like riding a bike—you only get better with time and practice," Jack shared.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Lucy Newman (21) will represent South Australia. Lucy, who grew up on her family's beef and dairy enterprise, has a passion for both. She has had many successes with her Ayrshire cattle and Angus stud and is excited to represent SA in both the beef and dairy young paraders competitions. 

"It's a bucket list opportunity for me," Lucy said.

QUEENSLAND
Olivia Delaforce (21) from Queensland, helps run her family's Santa Gertrudis Stud and also works for a large-scale Speckle Park Stud. Having grown up around cattle, Olivia loves the excitement of competing. 

"Winning the 2023 Royal Brisbane Show State Finals has allowed me this incredible opportunity to compete at nationals," Olivia said.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Zoe Skinner (19) will represent Western Australia. Growing up on a broad-acre cropping and beef property, Zoe has been showing cattle from a young age. Her win at the Beef Paraders State Final at the Perth Royal Show gives her the chance to compete at the national level. 

"I'm honoured to represent my state and be part of this incredible opportunity," Zoe shared.

VICTORIA
James Barton (23), who has been showing cattle for 11 years, will be representing Victoria. James chairs the Berwick Show Cattle Committee and has won several young judges and handlers' competitions. 

"Participating in regional shows has been a passion of mine, and I'm grateful for this opportunity," James said.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Zarah Miller-Thompson (17) from Palmerston, will represent the Northern Territory in the beef cattle young paraders competition. Zarah, a student in a Cert 3 Agri-food course at her school, has a strong desire to work on a station at the end of the year. 

"My teachers have taught me everything I know about parading cattle," Zarah, who has enjoyed success at Freds Pass Shows, Darwin Show, and Katherine Show, said.

THE COMPETITIONS
Overall, there are nine categories for judging and parading each year under the Agricultural Shows Australia national competition program: beef cattle, dairy cattle, alpaca, poultry, Merino sheep, meat breed sheep, and Merino fleece judging, as well as parading competitions in beef and dairy cattle.

Dr. Rob Wilson, chairman of Agricultural Shows Australia, said, "These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions, which are crucial to the continual improvement of Australia's food and fibre industries. The national competition is a coveted opportunity to grow personally and professionally by practising skills against the best of the best."

The Cattle Shop (www.thecattleshop.com.au), based in Goulburn NSW, are proud to present a cane for the national winner. 

[END]

The National Beef Cattle Young Paraders Championship will be held at 1pm on 2 October 2024. Agricultural Shows Australia will issue a press release to announce the results once they are available. Media are welcome to attend the national finals.