A HERD of white corflute cut-out cows were rounded up and transported to designated cow guardians across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday.
The second annual Central Signs Cow Art Competition, a Canegrowers Mackay community engagement initiative is aimed at celebrating agriculture and raising funds for drought affected graziers in Longreach and districts.
Competition coordinators Shelley Dent and Kirili Lamb have packed up nearly 100 cows and sent them to the towns of Mackay, Sarina, Clermont, Moranbah, Bowen and Proserpine in preparation for the expected influx of entries from cow-lovers of all ages.
Ms Dent and Ms Lamb said they were bracing for a stampede.
“Considering the success of the inaugural competition at Community Bank AG.Trade.Life last year - we’re sure it’s going to grow into quite a herd again,” Ms Lamb said.
“We had over 100 entries and they made a terrific exhibit at Ag.Trade.Life 2014 – we’re aiming for more cows and an even better exhibit.” she said.
Regardless of where you live or your artistic ability we want everyone involved in this fun, non-profit event.”
The Central Signs Cow Art Competition is open to all ages with prizes for youngsters, adults and school groups.
“There has been strong support from sponsors with the top adult prize of $500 sponsored by event owners Canegrowers Mackay. We have a prize pool of over $2000, and we are particularly grateful to our generous sponsors at Central Signs and Graphics.”
Ms Lamb said feedback in 2014 had led to the introduction this year of a school groups section.
“We’ve got great prize money and we see this as an excellent way to get students thinking about agriculture and the food chain, but it’s also a really fun way to foster team work.”
Canegrowers Mackay’s Shelley Dent said the group categories were something she hoped would be popular.
“This is a great initiative and we’re confident the schools will see the multitude of ways this can benefit the students and make learning and team work fun,” Ms Dent said.
The colourful cows will again be exhibited at Mackay Showgrounds at Ag.Trade.Life on May 1 and May 2, with presentations at 11am on Saturday May 2.
The competition theme is ‘agriculture’, which also covers the second aspect of the cow project.
“Our Supporters of Agriculture Cows are designed for businesses, organisations and individuals who want to help raise awareness and funds for a rural charity or service, which this year is the Pioneer Valley Rotary Club’s drought assistance for Longreach and districts,” she said.
“All profits above costs will go to this cause, while giving supporters a very unique branding opportunity in front of thousands of visitors at Ag.Trade.Life.
“We are proudly supporting this cause ¡V drought, flood, pest or disease, the businesses and graziers in these drought-stricken areas will take years to recover, even when they eventually get blessed with some rain.
“We’re calling on all businesses across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday to get involved - and they don’t have to be in a business related to agriculture to take part.
All they have to do is purchase a cow for under $100, get it ‘branded’ and then give it back to us to put on display at our event”
For further information about where our cow guardians are located or for more information visit Cow Art Competition Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Facebook page or call Canegrowers Mackay on (07) 4944 2600.
