STEPPING into the Droughtmaster ring to judge at the Ekka this week will be two Central Queenslander women.
Judging will be Renee Rutherford, Redskin Droughtmasters, Redbank, Morinish and she will be joined by this year’s associate judge Remy Streeter, Palmvale Red Brahmans, Mt Slopeaway, Marlborough.
Remy, 17, is in her final year at The Rockhampton Grammar School and said to be judging at the Ekka was a great honour.
“I have judged smaller stuff before and I've done a bit of associate judging before but I am exceptionally excited to be judging in the big smoke,” she said.
Renee said it was great to have enthusiastic youth rising through the ranks and said it is not her first time in the ring as a judge at the Ekka.
“I had the opportunity to judge the Droughtmasters in about 2009 or 2010,” she said.
“I've been lucky enough to judge some other breeds and young handlers last year as well.”
Renee said while the Ekka is not “quite as big” as it was in the past, it is still a fantastic showcase of the best cattle in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
I have judged smaller stuff before and I've done a bit of associate judging before but I am exceptionally excited to be judging in the big smoke.
- Remy Streeter
“It's definitely a big thing to judge there,” she said.
Remy said she was nominated to be an associate judge, but she still is not sure who by.
With associate judges common with the bigger breeds, Renee said the system was both practical and valuable.
“Not all breeds do associates, but most of the bigger breeds like the Charolais, Droughtmasters, Brahmans and those are big supporters of associates,” she said.
“It’s just a great way for younger judges to gain experience.
“It’s also important because to judge at particular shows you have to have judged somewhere else.
“Like to judge at the Sydney Royal you have to have judged at another Royal Show beforehand.”
Both Renee and Remy said they were looking forward to the experience of judging together at the Ekka.
The Droughtmasters will be competing this morning in ring three.