The Red Angus Society Victoria On-Farm challenge is taking place over three days from 31 October to 2 November. The event which will feature 217 head of cattle, will showcase both Red Angus stud and commercial animals and feature 17 farms from across Victoria.
Red Angus Society of Australia President, Mr Kevin Heggen said the On-Farm Challenge provided an opportunity for Red Angus breeders to present their cattle, at a time when COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in shows across the country being cancelled and other opportunities reduced.
“It’s been a difficult time for both commercial farms and stud owners with various restrictions in place meaning reduced options for those wanting to showcase their animals and the breed. We want to ensure that during these challenging times, producers have a chance to show the huge potential of the Red Angus breed more widely presented in their working environment, he said.
Mt Charlie Red Angus located at Riddell’s Creek will be exhibiting in the On-farm challenge for the first time and co-owner Paul Rathbone said it was a terrific opportunity to demonstrate the great qualities of the breed.
“There has been a strong and growing interest in Red Angus from other producers because of the easy working nature of the cattle, their calving ease, maternal excellence and carcase attributes as well as their tremendous efficiency in beef production,” he said.
Red Angus Society is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the breed in Australia this year and were to have been the feature breed at the Royal Melbourne Show in September 2020.
“It’s disappointing the show was cancelled as a result of COVID-19 but we are looking at future events to highlight the terrific capacity of Red Angus once restrictions are lifted,” Mr Rathbone said.
Judging of the On-Farm Challenge will be by Rob Onley, from Agri Gene based in Noorat in Western Victoria. Rob has been involved in the stud industry for many years working with properties both in Australia and in the USA.
With major support provided by SEMEX, Nationwide AB services, Dr Doug Watson embryo transfer services, Virbac and the Victorian Red Angus group, this promises to be a great event.
Black Diamond Miss Red Panache and her heifer calf R5