The Gippsland Dairy Youth Committee organised its 22nd annual All Breeds Youth Show in March.
The membership of the Gippsland Dairy Youth Committee is solely made up of youth under the age of 25 years.
There were 45 entries in the All Breeds Youth Show, and the show was well supported by exhibitors, spectators and sponsors.
The All Breeds Youth Show is an opportunity for young people up to the age of 24 years to showcase their animals and develop new skills within a supported and positive environment.
This year’s judge was Zoe Hayes, from northern Victoria.
Zoe’s family has a 500-cow dairy farm with a herd of 50 per cent Illawarra and 50 per cent Holstein cows. The family’s stud prefix is Llandovery, and they have exhibited at International Dairy Week since it began in 1999.
In 2022, Zoe won the National Judging Competition at Sydney Royal Show.
“I’ve judged at local shows in Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Tasmania,” Zoe said.
“One of my highlights was judging the Sherri Martin Memorial Paraders Competition at International Dairy Week in 2022.”
Gippsland Dairy Youth Committee vice-president Holly Anderson said the judge took time during the day to talk to the exhibitors and explain her selections.
“Zoe did an amazing job in her selections, taking time to teach the exhibitors along the way,” Holly said.
“The overall atmosphere of the event was excellent, with lots of kids smiling and enjoying the show.
“There were also plenty of spectators and family members around the grounds, enjoying the day and supporting all our youth while they were preparing and showing their cattle.”
The event was held at the Warragul Showgrounds.
Grand Champion of the show was awarded to Violet Dodd, leading Brindabella Jacoby Francesca.
Ruby Mackie also received a ribbon for her entry of Bushlea Matt Fernleaf.
The Wendy Sargeant Champion Handlers award was won by Scarlett Bawden, who led Majestic Sidekick Berry.
Harry Dodd received the ribbon for Champion Heifer in Milk.
The Dodd family received the Most Successful Exhibitor award.
The show concluded with a fancy dress parade for pee wee handlers, and Cohuna Sport Store sponsored this event with four calf barns.