Report by Jacqui Feagan.
The Southern Region Promotion Group held a very successful Showing Skills Workshop over two days on June 13th & 14th at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
There were 10 participants and 4 instructors. The enthusiasm and interest shown by the participants was fantastic and every one pitched in to make the event a success.
On Saturday, Julie Knight, Ken & Gill Lorains instructed participants on everything they needed to know about show preparation, fitting and clipping etc. and were unbelievably knowledgeable, patient and supportive. Members were amazed as heifers in paddock condition were transformed into sleek show animals under their expert tuition. A BBQ in the evening and the chance to socialise around the campfire was a lovely way to end a terrific day. However, it must be said that camping in the cattle pavilion overnight was definitely character building.
On Sunday, Matt Cooney enlightened the group on how to successfully promote their stud and Gary Turnham ran our mock show. Gary expertly drilled participants in the art of showing and reminded us ‘would be showies’ of some of the harsh realities of the show ring.
The glowing feedback from the participants showed how much they appreciated not only the expert instruction, but the commitment and the time given by our volunteer instructors. Not only did the participants learn lots but the workshop also gave us the chance to get to know each other and have a really fun, social time. Hopefully the skills and insights gained from the workshop will enable participants to have a go at showing their animals and we will see a resurgence of Lowline cattle on display in the showring in the future.
Thank you again Ken, Gill, Julie & Gary for such a stellar effort and a special thank you to Ken and Gill for not only suggesting the event but then working so hard to make it happen and for the great breakfast!! And to Julie for the huge effort in bringing down loan heifers for workshop. A big thank you also to Tracey Goss from the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, Les Brooks and Graham Hunter from the Committee of Management for being so helpful and efficient and the Whittlesea Junior football club for offering us the use of their visitor showers.
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