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Superbull Challenge a big hit with Show patrons
A concept to engage more public participation in cattle judging, and spark more interest in the cattle section, has proven a huge hit at the Taroom Show.
The brainchild of Matt Welsh, an attractive prize package worth $2000 was offered for the winner of the "Superbull Challenge", a competition between stud cattle exhibitors at the Taroom Show. Voting for the best exhibit was carried out by patrons, each contributing a gold coin with their vote. These were combined with the votes of a panel of industry judges to determine placings.
Proceeds from the voting contributions went towards the local Isolated Childrens Parents Association, providing a healthy funds boost from the nearly 300 people who cast a vote.
The interest shown by the public was underscored by the spectacle of the crowd, three and four deep, gathered around the pens when the winner was announced. The Superbull Challenge went to a shorthorn bull exhibited by "The Grove", with a Charolais shown by Steve Haywood of Advance Charolais running a close second.
Matt Welsh hopes the competition will encourage more people to get involved in cattle judging, and said the public voting method was very interesting because it removes any possibility of influence from the process.
"It may be a sensitive issue, but I know a lot of people are concerned about the lack of anonymity in Show judging. It is an often discussed question whether unnecessary pressure ~ and I am certainly not suggesting pressure is exerted by studs ~ but is it sometimes felt, particularly by young or inexperienced judges, to be swayed by the brand.
"An illustrative comparison is wine judging, where labels are never displayed."
Matthew said these issues were regarded by some as 'sensitive', but needed to be aired, and Huntington was keen to raise similar topics in its Forum section to be launched later in the year, to give the industry an opportunity to openly discuss such matters.
"It was refreshing to see a competition where judging was virtually devoid of any preconceptions or influence of reputation, even though Huntington didn't manage to win a prize", Matthew concluded, with a smile.
Prizemoney for the Superbull Challenge was provided by NAB Agribusiness division, Elders, Landmark and GDL stud stock divisions.