Andrew Raff praises cattle and paraders at the Scottsdale Show

King Island cattle breeder Andrew Raff of Raff Angus has praised the outstanding standard of cattle, paraders and young judges at the 120th Scottsdale Show, describing the two-day event as one of the strongest he has seen.

Mr Raff, who was invited to judge Stud Cattle, Junior Paraders and the Tasmanian State Junior Judging Finals, said it was a privilege to assess cattle of all breeds at such a well-supported show.

“It was a tremendous effort by both the Scottsdale Beef Committee and the exhibitors,” he said. “I am always humbled to be invited to judge cattle of all breeds at any show. Each breed has evolved to excel in specific traits—no breed is good at everything. My role is to judge each animal for its breed character, followed by structure and raw performance.”

Mr Raff said exhibitors always bring what they believe to be their best animals. “To have them presented in the show ring for my appraisal and commentary is a privilege. I always aim to judge each animal on its individual merit, and I hope each exhibit leaves the ring knowing why I placed them where they stood.”

Mr Raff said the standard of paraders was particularly impressive.

“The quality of Paraders was exceptional,” he said. “The Senior classes were well experienced, making my job as an over-judge quite difficult. My placings on the day could have easily been seen differently by another judge.”

He said he always looks for paraders who show total awareness. “I look for those paraders who are really seizing the moment—being attentive to both me and their animal. It takes many months of preparation and expense before the animal enters the ring. The experienced Parader understands this, and they are the ones I’m looking for.”

Reflecting on his own childhood in Queensland, where he attended shows from a young age and participated in every Junior Judging competition, Mr Raff said it was heartening to see the next generation so committed.

“It was fantastic to see ten high-quality Junior Judges compete at Scottsdale for the Tasmanian State Final,” he said. “They judged three classes of four animals and gave commentary on one.”

Mr Raff said strong communication skills were essential.
“As the judge, you look for a person who presents well, speaks with confidence and gives clear reasons for their placings. Every person sees animals differently. The important point of judging is to give clear and precise reasoning as to why you placed one animal over another.”

Three competitors stood out, with the Champion Young Judge now set to represent Tasmania at the National Junior Judging Competition at the Brisbane Royal Show in August next year.

Mr Raff congratulated the Scottsdale Show Committee for delivering a friendly, well-attended and highly successful 120th event.

“Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the Stud Cattle, Junior Paraders and the Tasmanian State Junior Judging Finals,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the strong support behind the scenes.

“From the commitment and support of both schools and parents, it was fantastic to see so many juniors participating throughout the two-day event.”