Young cattle handlers learn the ropes

Youngest competitor Winnie Archer of Landfall Angus, Dilston

The Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo celebrated a major milestone last weekend, marking its 10‑year anniversary with one of its largest and most competitive programs to date.

The annual three‑day event, designed for young people aged nine to 25, continues to play a vital role in promoting and endorsing the beef industry.

Participants travelled from across Tasmania and interstate, joining a program that blends education, hands‑on experience and competition.

Competitors were grouped according to their experience within the industry, ensuring opportunities for all skill levels.

Winnie Archer from Landfall Angus at Dilston was the youngest competitor, aged 7, having been granted an exemption from the starting age of eight after writing a letter to the committee.

She had no qualms leading around a 550kg heifer and looks set to follow in the footsteps of her siblings Hedly and Joe, who also attended the expo.

Matthew Last of Wilmot and his brother Jake, who flew over from Victoria, looked on while his son Mason, aged 8, was shown the ropes at his first junior beef expo alongside his more experienced brother, Lucas, 10.

The Clover Hills Livestock owner fattens cattle and has a few stud shorthorns but is considering doing some more showing and would like his children to have the opportunity to be involved.

“We used to show cattle when we were kids but my kids haven’t had the same opportunity so we thought it was a good opportunity to see if they like it,” Mr Last said.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to get involved and meet other kids and develop valuable relationships and friendships.”

Expo president Tim Dobson said the competition attracted a record number of 78 participants including 34 novices, who were buddied up with intermediate group members to learn the basics of cattle handling in a supported environment.

He said the awards highlighted the breadth of talent emerging from Tasmania’s youth beef community.

“The 10‑year anniversary of the Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo showcased not only the strength of Tasmania’s youth in agriculture but also the bright future of the beef industry itself,” he said.

With growing participation and continued support from industry leaders, the event remains a cornerstone of education, opportunity and community for young cattle enthusiasts.”

Friday’s Education Day proved to be a highlight, offering a full schedule of workshops delivered by industry professionals.

Young competitors rotated through sessions covering biosecurity, animal handling basics, clipping, show preparation, and farm tours, among other topics.

Volunteer judge Tyler Geist, who is based at Smithton and works for event sponsor Datamars, was at the expo for the first time.

“Their dedication is fantastic, there is some very serious talent here, all the way from the young to more advanced,” he said.

Saturday and Sunday shifted the focus to the competitive side of the expo, with entrants leading their animals before judges for assessment on presentation, handling, and overall quality.

Judge Tyler Geist teaches the art of cattle showing to the novices

The expo’s most prestigious accolade, the Grand Champion Herdsperson Award, was judged across all three days and recognised the competitor who demonstrates exceptional stockmanship, leadership, and consistency.

This year, the honour was awarded to Tilly Murfett, who also received a $2500 bursary to support her continued development within the industry.