By Judy Barnet, Ag Columnist
Driving into the Stanthorpe Show late Friday afternoon things didn’t get off to a great start. It was a fair bit later than I had anticipated my arrival, not far off dark in fact. It was drizzling rain and I couldn’t see my tiny camper trailer in the mirror so I wasn’t keen on going anywhere I might have to turn around in the showgrounds, nor did I know where to put the trailer which had to be taken off before I could unload the damp sheep. It’s not that I can’t back a trailer – I can but it is near impossible when you can’t see it! It was cold too and I regretted bringing only a single blanket. After dumping the trailer in the middle of a paddock I rushed off to unload the sheep. Jim and Del, the sheep stewards, were very welcoming and we had the sheep settled in no time. It was dark and still drizzling when I got back to the trailer but some lovely dog trialists helped me hook up again and I found a spot closer to the sheep pavilion. After a rather cold night I headed off to the showers to scrub up ready for the show but, boy oh boy, did I get a shock when I realised there was no hot water. After a coffee and a dagwood dog for brekkie, I was feeling much more human!
I was excited to go and see the photography, and my eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw I had won a first prize for my nature photo. I really couldn’t believe my eyes and I was even more delighted to see our friend Alex had won two firsts and a highly commended.
The poultry section which is very efficiently run by Bec Galloway was well supported with all pens being full. Again I was delighted to win champion Australorp bantam. There were many breeds on display and a lot of beautiful waterfowl as well.
The prime lamb section was well supported with some really good animals. I am a bit biased towards the British breeds of sheep and really loved the perfectly presented Poll Dorsets from the local Maryland Stud owned by Mr Graeme Greenup. The prime lamb carcasses hanging in the window of the cold room looked um well, tasty! I hope to enter this section myself next year if I can get organised.
It was good to see that the wool section had such strong support at the show. It was an absolute privilege for me to be shown the wool and the judging process explained by legendary wool producer Stan Reid. Stan is the loveliest gentleman, with a wealth of knowledge in the wool industry. I am hoping to catch up with him again for a chat one day soon.
Another highlight of the show was the amount of interest shown in some of the rare breeds by local people. I might be counting my chickens before they hatch but I am reasonably confident that at least two families will take on a new breed of sheep.
I was also thrilled to catch up with Alex and Marnie as well as Paula and Derek, all previous cottage guests and good friends! So all in all I had a fantastic weekend and can’t wait to come back again next year.
CJ has been away in the Big Smoke this week and with the shed finally finished we thought we would surprise her by cleaning out one room of Dicks Hut which is soon to be CJ’s domain! All my animal paraphernalia was stored in one-half of the room and Richie’s car parts in the other. It didn’t look like such a big job but after a couple of loads, I am starting to realise just how big it is. Some of my gear is coming into the house as I have an “animal cupboard” in my office, however, it too needs rearranging and sorting out. Hopes of getting it cleaned out before CJ’s return have flown out the window, unfortunately.
Just a reminder that I will be attending the St Marks Church Fete this coming Saturday. I will have some Rare Breeds Information there and you will most likely find Dear Richie looking after the animal nursery while I am hunting up treasures in the hall or buying a big pile of books from the book stall.
By the time you read this, it will not be long until the Rare Breeds Trust Auction takes place on AuctionsPlus. It has been hard to get donations this year but nonetheless, there are great items on offer. Ross Ellis from McDougall & Sons can bid on your behalf if you don’t want to register to bid. As well as the auction we run a photo competition. If you look on our Facebook page you will find the details and we do have prize money on offer. I will also be doing a live interview with Livestock Conservancy USA on 17 May.
The Queensland branch of the Australian Pig Breeders Association is having a meeting in Warwick at the end of May and if anyone is interested in attending or meeting other pig breeders please do not hesitate to contact me for further details.
Hope you all have a good week.
