Droughtmaster enthusiasts from around Queensland converged on Gatton showgrounds last Saturday.
With 127 show cattle paraded from 33 exhibitors, it was the largest showing of cattle in the Droughtmaster Futurity’s 32 year history.
Judge Steve Farmer, SC Droughtmasters, Mt Elsa, Rockhampton and associate judge, Lauren Finger, La Shae Droughtmasters, Meadowbrook, Dysart had the difficult task of choosing a Grand Champion.
Taking out the top honors was an 18-month-old heifer exhibited by Toogoolawah State High School. The school registered their Droughtmaster stud last year with the purchase of three heifers. It was one of these heifers, Mt Brisbane Heidi, that claimed Grand Champion.
“The heifer, while not having the preparation of many of the other exhibits, displayed what we are looking for in our females; correctness, volume and femininity,” Mr Farmer said.
It was a big win for young, six-month-old Droughtmaster bull calf Nindethana Impact who was awarded the Champion Bull Calf. Champion Bull was presented to 16-month-old RSVP Lighthorse.
Calf Champion was awarded to Seymour Sarah, a 11-month-old daughter of Hamadra Cooper.
Waringle Stud was named most Successful Exhibitor.
Junior Parader was presented to Kiara Hughes with Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey winning the Open Parader competition. Junior Herdsperson was awarded to the students of Toogoolawah State High School and Derek Mays, Tomawill stud was awarded Senior Herdsperson.
The Frank Hodgson Memorial Encouragement Award went to the Lake Moogerah stud.
The 13 and under 16 months old heifer class was the largest on the day with 18 entries. First place in this class was 15-month-old Silva Rayne Peaches, a daughter of Billabong Ketchup, exhibited by Lincoln Rayner, Warrill View. This heifer went on to be awarded Reserve Champion heifer standing behind the eventual supreme exhibit.