The Rochester Show might have had the gates closed for the past few years but that didn’t stop one of the biggest crowds on record from attending this year.
Show secretary Maxine Weigand estimated about 9000 people made the trip to the showgrounds on Friday and Saturday, one of the biggest crowds in decades.
The show provided a much-needed pick-up for the town after the devastation of the 2022 floods.
And while there was great community support for the event, the livestock and dairy competitions were also well attended.
Holstein judge Olivia Millhouse from Tasmania said the entries were a credit to their owners, and it was a solid display of quality cattle right across all breeds and classes.
Robert, Susan and Daniel Bacon from Brookbora Jerseys at Tennyson took home the Supreme Champion Cow ribbon with five-year-old Brookbora Vanahlem Enchantress.
Brent and Kim Mitchell from Bamawm had an outstanding show, winning Premier Breeder and a swag of ribbons including All Australian and Interbreed Champion with Mitch Moovin Barbara and Intermediate Champion with Mitch Altitude Beauty.
For up and coming handlers Dakota, Lukas and Islah Robertson from Yarroweyah, the show was a chance to put into practice their husbandry skills.
Mum Bec said it was great to see her kids having a go and having so much fun out in the ring.