Cattle camp hones skills

This year's WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp was once again a success, well-attended by participants keen on refining their livestock skills.

The camp was established in 2005 by an enthusiastic team of men and women who have extensive experience in the cattle industry, who wanted to educate young people from ages eight to 25 in various aspects of the cattle industry, both beef and dairy.

The aim of the camp is to ensure cattle handling skills are not lost in the industry.

The skills taught at the camp complement the skills that are already taught in the agricultural colleges.

Under direction of the committee, the participants gain knowledge and hands-on experience in cattle handling skills in and out of the show ring, safety, cattle health and nutrition, and public speaking.

This year, the Highest Beef Achiever Award was won by Henry Vaughan of Murdoch University, who received a trip to Charolais Youth Stampede in January 2016 in Bathurst, NSW.

The WAYCHC Highest Dairy Achiever Award went to Malakye Forrest, of Capel, who also gets a trip to the Stampede.

Rachel O'Dell of Denmark Ag College won the Herdsman Award, given to the entrant who scored most points scored overall for the three days.

She received a trip to South Australia Junior Heifer Expo in July 2015, Wayville Showgrounds, Adelaide.

The junior high achiever award went to Amanda Quilty, who won a show box, while Rory Skinner took off the group leaders award, and picked up a Rope Halter.

The grand champion beef and dairy awards were presented to Robert Smith and Malakye Forrest respectively.