Hopefuls preparing for the Chudleigh Show

In Saturday’s hot weather the cattle at Royston Shorthorn Stud were drying as quickly as they were being washed by an enthusiastic team of young handlers.

The day had been set aside to prepare 13 shorthorns, mainly heifers, in readiness for Chudleigh Show next weekend.

Stud owner Rebecca Woodiwiss watched on as the cattle were washed and groomed, clipped and cuddled, primped and paraded at the Sunnyside property.

The youngest handlers were Rebecca’s daughter Zoe, 7, and neighbour Charlotte Ireland, 10, while the eldest was 26-year-old Chloe Temple of Nook.

With the TJBE held just a week after Chudleigh Show at the Deloraine Showgrounds, many young handlers use it as a warm-up event – significantly boosting the beef cattle numbers to make it the show’s largest livestock section.

“We’re pleased with how preparations are coming along and really looking forward to the show,” Rebecca said.

“We’ve had some good success at Chudleigh Show over the years and hopefully our stock will appeal to the judges again.”

In charge of the beef cattle section is Tim Dobson of Pine Park Charolais at Sassafras.

While he’ll also have stud stock entered in the show – his Charolais lines are among the oldest in the country - most of his time will be spent commentating and organising classes.

“We’re looking at having one of the biggest number of entries we’ve seen for many years,” Tim said. 

“Barnett Angus owner Mark Barnett, who farms at Hagley, will be back from showing interstate to be our judge.

“No doubt he’ll be looking for structural integrity and longevity and particular carcase traits that will ensure the cattle can go on and breed the best stud stock and replacement females and hit all the relevant market specs for the producer.”

Entrants will this year be able to benefit from the upgraded washbay facilities – the new tank and pump providing a reliable source of water for washing and watering the cattle.

Chudleigh Show will be held on Saturday, February 21 with the gates opening at 9am and the official opening to be conducted by Tasmanian Football Club CEO Brendan Gale at 11am.

The Chudleigh Agricultural & Horticultural Society was first founded in 1889 and its annual show draws lovers of traditional country shows that cater for all ages.

Highlights this year are the extensive program of equestrian events, dairy, beef and sheep classes, woodchopping and the Chudleigh Royal Shears shearing and wool handling competition.

Home industries will bring out the best in crafts, cooking, fresh produce and preserves, photography and even Lego building.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 children, U10 free, and all children’s activities are free once through the gate and include face painting, table tennis, train rides, scavenger hunt, pet parade, laser tag and many more games.