HEREFORDS Australia’s National Show and Sale opened at the Wodonga Exhibition Centre yesterday — for the 50th consecutive year and with a ring of outstanding quality bulls.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Newly elected chairman of the organisation Pat Pearce, from YavenVale Herefords and Poll Herefords at Adelong, said the milestone said a lot about the event and the city.
“I hope it goes for another 50 years,” Mr Pearce said.
“I am the third generation of my family to be concerned with our operation — my son James is the fourth — and I can remember the show and sale being held at the old saleyards in Elgin Street.
“Wodonga is an ideal location because it is central for those from South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and even northern NSW.”
Mr Pearce, who was elected to his new position at the organisation’s annual general meeting held in Wodonga on Tuesday night, said it was an exciting time for both the breed and the beef industry.
“Prices are excellent and there was a real feeling of excitement and confidence out there today,” he said.
“I am expecting to see some very good prices at the sale tomorrow, with the top-end bulls likely to bring in $40,000 plus.”
One hundred and forty four bulls entered the ring, which proved to be a personal triumph for former Wodonga woman Colleen Green.
She and her husband Allan, from Ivybank Herefords in Walcha, NSW exhibited Ivybank John J10 yesterday, which was judged the Grand Champion Poll Hereford Bull.
A former butchery owner, Mr Green focuses on carcass, tenderness and meat eating quality in their herd.
Canadian judge Lance Leachman drew wide praise for his performance in the ring.
A charity heifer, donated by Glendan Park, was paraded at the conclusion of the show classes and auctioned last night at the breed’s 50th anniversary dinner at Huon Hill Wodonga.
All money raised will go to beyondblue.
The event continues today with the holding of the national sale, starting at 9am.
