WHEN Greg English was rushed to hospital to have his appendix removed two weeks ago, missing the family’s 100th outing at the Malanda Show never crossed the minds of he and wife Bronwyn’s seven children.
Instead, Rachel, 15, Jerry, 14, Catherine, 13, Patrick, 11, Hannah, 9, and twins Frances and Mary, 7, stepped in to lend a hand.
It typifies the English family’s passion for showing dairy cows – a tradition that was started in 1916 by Mr English’s great grandfather James English at the Malanda Show – and which will come full circle as the fifth generation takes to the show ring on Saturday at the show’s centenary.
“I believe it’s special to be able to say you’ve done something for 100 years,” Mr English said.
“I think it’s quite remarkable to have the interest, passion and willingness to do it sometimes under adverse conditions.”
Mr English professes to love showing dairy cows.
“I reckon I went to my first Malanda Show at two weeks of age,” he said. “I think I’ve always loved it.”
He believes a good dairy cow must have a good functioning udder, walk easily and have plenty of body capacity.
Nominations in the dairy cow section at the show are believed to be up 30 per cent, a testament to the role the industry has played in the economy of Malanda and surrounds.
A feature event of the three-day show, which starts with the grand parade and crowning of the Dairy Queen on Friday night, will be the All-Breeds Sale of the Century.
It will offer up 34 lots from the “best of the best”.
“The vendors have certainly catalogued an outstanding line-up of well-bred females that would satisfy even the most discerning buyer,” said Colin Daley, chairman of the Breeds Dairy Committee.
“I am most impressed with the depth of pedigree.”
The show kicks off on Friday morning with dressage judging and centre ring events.
Queensland Governor Paul De Jersey will officially open the Malanda Show on Friday at 7.30pm, after the street parade.
On Saturday, centre ring events, stud and prime beef cattle judging, woodchopping, showjumping and a motorbike spectacular will take place before the evening’s entertainment, which will include the six-bar show jumping competition and fireworks at 8.30pm.
Sunday will feature woodchopping, dairy cattle young judges competition, the Dairy Farmers Charity Celebrity Hand Milking Competition Champion of Champions, grand parade and Cowboy English Memorial High Jump.
Check out the Malanda Show program
