Despite many local agricultural shows struggling, the previous two Tasmanian Junior Beef Expos have been very successful with more than 60 competitors attending each year.
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The three-day camp will be held at the Deloraine Showgrounds and is open to beef enthusiasts aged 8 to 25 years old. The third Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo will be held from March 29 - 31.
In contrast to the cattle section at local shows, the focus of the Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo is on educating participants about different aspects of the beef cattle industry.
“We see the expo as a key component to encouraging young people into the beef cattle industry. Each year we try to offer different workshops and activities so that returning participants can continue to develop their knowledge,” president Tim Dobson said.
As well as workshops, participants will compete in individual and team competitions including cattle handling and judging. All events are run at four different experience levels, from novice through to advanced, to accommodate all competitors.
New to the 2019 expo will be a team fitting competition and advanced participants will have an opportunity to visit a commercial beef property. Participants can enter their own junior heifer or bull, or an animal can be provided for them through a ballot system.
Charlton Skirving, 11, has attended the previous two expos and last year his Murray Grey heifer, Woodbourn Miss Leda. She won the Bendigo Bank/Rural Bank All-breed heifer competition.
“I like the expo because you learn more than just how to prepare and show cattle, you learn about the beef industry. It is lots of fun, I like the games, making friends and staying overnight in my swag,” Mr Skirving said.
Sponsorship coordinator Chelsea Rayner said support for the expo continued to grow each year, with a large number of sponsors confirmed for the 2019 expo.
The Deloraine Branch of the Bendigo Bank and Rural Bank has come on board again this year as one of the major sponsors.
“Participants have the chance to win over $15,000 worth of prizes ranging from cattle products to trips to mainland beef events,” Miss Rayner said.
The major prize for the 2019 expo is a registered shorthorn heifer donated by Royston Shorthorns.
Entry to the three-day event is $160 and includes all activities and meals. An early bird discount of $40 applies to all entries received before December 16. Entries close on January 18. Only 75 spots are available.
For more details email Tas.Junior.Beef.Expo@gmail.com or contact the expo’s Facebook page.
