JESSICA Shannon may only be four years old, but the little budding cowgirl was quick to impress at the Rockhampton Junior Beef Show.
After travelling down from Carmichael Station, 260km south west of Charters Towers, Jessica was quick to embrace the junior show, and left with a few ribbons to boot after coming second in the stud cattle judging, and fourth in the overall peewees age champion.
Mum Brandi-lee Shannon said Jessica went in all guns blazing from day one, despite a few small hiccups.
“She did have a little meltdown going into the ring for parading. She wanted a little baby one because she was a little girl,” Ms Shannon laughed.
“But I left her with the bigger girls and they showed her how to do it – she was all smiles.”
Ms Shannon said she was convinced to enter Jessica in the show by Jane Geddes of Charlevue Brangus.
”At Beef 2018 Jess was helping her brush and clean up and just loved it,” Ms Shannon said.
“We managed to get her nominated in time and she had the best time.
“All those kids there, they were just great kids and they were all helping her and encouraging her and mothering her and it was really gorgeous to see.”
To win her the second place in the judging, Jessica had to do her first public speaking event – and Ms Shannon said she went exceptionally well.
”She got up and she spoke and said why she liked the bull and she liked the littlest one because he was 'little and cute',” she said.
“It was a awesome to watch.
“I don't think you realise at the time how it sets you up for life. Watching all the kids without being asked to help out and pitch in – I was very proud of absolutely every kid there.”
OVERALL AGE GROUP
CHAMPIONS:
Peewees: Matilda Holt-
Grundon
8-10: Jake Lucas
10-12: Lara Cochrane
12-14: Clay Goodwin
14-16: Georgie Coombe
16-25: Grady Hansen
JUNIOR PARADING:
Peewees: Matilda Holt-
Grundon
8-10: Tyler Hyden
10-12: Katelyn Jones
12-14: Alexandra Olive
14-16: Heidi Davison
16-25: Cassidy Watson
JUDGING STUD
CATTLE:
Peewees: Matilda Holt-
Grundon
8-10: Jake Lucas
10-12: Ryan Gould
12-14: Clay Goodwin
14-16: Kimberley Weier
16-25: Grady Hansen
JUDGING PRIME
CATTLE:
Peewees: Thomas Orphant
8-10: Jake Lucas
10-12: Lara Cochrane
12-14: Libby Perkins
14-16: Grace Hansen
16-25: Grady Hansen