Finley High School students: Year 8 student Emily Scott from Finley with reserve winner ‘Wimsy’, a Poll Dorset; Year 8 student Bridie Dawes from Tocumwal; winner ‘Willow’, a Poll Dorset; and Year 9 student Holly Arthur from Finley.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The wind may have howled through Numurkah on Wednesday, but nothing could blow away the community spirit at the 135th Numurkah Agricultural Show.
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Locals turned out in force to celebrate the region’s proud farming roots, with livestock parades, family competitions and ribbons aplenty bringing colour and cheer to an otherwise blustery day.
Farmers, animal lovers and families admired the impressive displays, as proud owners showcased months of dedication in grooming, feeding and preparing their animals.
Among the stand-out entrants were Year 8 Finley High School student Abby Mitchell, from Jerilderie, with one-month-old calf Wow, and Year 9 student Matilda Burns, from Finley, who proudly exhibited the school’s grand champion female cow, Unreal.
Finley High School brought along 12 students and 15 livestock to compete, with agriculture teacher Gary Webb praising the effort and commitment of his students.
“The kids washed all the cows yesterday at school, groomed them and gave them a clip,” he said.
“It was an early start today — up at 4am — and for most of the kids it would have been similar to travel here.”
A Poll Hereford bull from Zeerust claimed the supreme exhibit in the beef category, adding to its success after also winning champion at the Melbourne Royal Show.
The showgrounds were bustling throughout the day, with about 400 dog entries expected in the canine competition.
The Tiny Tots pageant added a charming touch, as young contestants dressed to impress — proving that a bright smile is always the perfect finishing touch.
Numurkah Show president Stuart Cameron said that while the windy weather caused some disruption, the day remained a success.
“I’d say our gate was down a bit, mainly because of the weather early on,” he said.
“We did have a few tables get overturned, but we got away with it pretty well.”
Despite the gusts, rides continued running throughout the day.
“The showies do their own thing and were going to monitor it,” Mr Cameron said.
“They might have stopped for a couple of minutes when there were big bursts of wind, but no major stops.”
The show holiday, which replaces Melbourne Cup Day on November 4, remains a tradition much loved by locals.
“People say, ‘Why don’t you put it back to a weekend?’ but there were seven or eight shows on last weekend and three this weekend — it just wouldn’t work,” Mr Cameron said.
“The shire gives the allocated day off because the school kids all want to come.”
Show jumping entrant: Kasey Caldow, 17, with Gelding out of Ignite Jiffy (NZ).
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
‘Petite Girl’ winner Rose Morcombe, 3, from Kaarimba, ‘Petite Boy’ winner Jude Emmett, 3, from Numurkah and ‘Tiny Boy’ runner-up Tate Gittens, 18 months, from Numurkah.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Lenny Small, 2, from Numurkah is having a ball ringing the bell on Little Ash the firetruck.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Show jumping entrant: Tori Glass from Kyabram with Bonnie Valley Valac (Ire).
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Junior Champion Heifer Cherrylock Historic Apple Tart with Jessica Gavenlock from Tallygaroopna, daughter Maggie Gavenlock, 5, from Tallygaroopna and judge Renee Anderson from Numurkah.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Robin Garner from Kyabram Vintage Engine Group with his Simac 5” Handpump.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Dairy cow entry: Judge Renee Anderson from Numurkah with the Supreme and Intermediate Heifer Champion, Illawarra cow Fortuna 2, and owner Lachlan Andrew from Numurkah Holburn Park.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Husband and wife Colin Voigt and Dallas Voigt with their cavi-doodle Willow from Woori-Yallock.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Beef cattle entrants: Year 11 Finley High School student Tom White from Tocumwal, with a Junior reserve bull called ‘Victory’.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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