Yea judge Duncan Newcomen said that, although the final product is what is seen in a saleyard, exhibiting cattle for judging was the key starting point.
“I’m a very commercially-orientated man and I believe that if we are not going to get it right here, then were not going to get it right at the other end,” Mr Newcomen said.
“And at the other end is where you are going to make the money.”
Some breeders admit to taking some judging comments ‘with a grain of salt’ but usually agree with decisions.
One feature challenging breeders is producing fattened udders for shows, with Mr Newcomen suggesting breeders ‘go easy on the bucket’ to avoid calving problems.
Macorna Charolais and Speckle Park breeder Erin Ferguson said feedback from judges was useful within a stud’s own breeding plan.
“We do listen to the feedback, but we do have our own opinions on our own cattle, and we like our own breeding program and not everyone can agree with your breeding objectives,” Ms Ferguson said.
Mr Newcomen described the quality of this year’s Speckle Park cattle as ‘absolutely outstanding’ and praised the work of the breed’s relatively young producers.
“I love the length of spine, the cover in them, there’s hardly a heifer here that’s over-fat and they are all going to go on and breed,” he said.
“It’s great to see so many young people involved with this breed.
“They are the future, and they are the one who are going to take it forward. They have come a long way in the last five years.”
Mr Newcomen said choosing a winner was not an easy decision.
“But that makes it more fun to judge.”
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