AT 20 years of age Monto Droughtmaster breeder Amy Birch is getting her first real hair cut at Beef 2018.
While it may seem like an odd place for somebody to get a trim, for the real life Rapunzel there is no better place to showcase the two things she is most known for - cattle and her hair.
The second year veterinary science student has decided to ‘rock a bob cut’ for the first time since she was two when she cuts 75cm of her hair to make wigs for children with medical conditions while raising money for the Cancer Council.
Since announcing her intentions on Tuesday, already $466 has been raised for the cause.
Ms Birch, who took out third in the National Young Stud Judges competition in Melbourne last year, is well known for her trademark long locks having grown up showing her family’s Droughtmaster stud cattle around the state.
But, until now, she has only ever had a few centimetres trimmed off.
“Ever since I was young I’ve known that when the time came to cut my hair I would donate it to make wigs,” she said.
“When I was a kid to be honest I really loved the singer Delta Goodrem and when she got cancer I always thought well I’ll donate (my hair) to help people with cancer.
“I knew that I wanted to use it to raise money because it’s always been so long and it’s even been I guess a bit iconic for me, people know me by it.
“When I first met someone last year at university they said, ‘Your hair is the only reason I can recognise you’.”
The milestone cut will take place at the Droughtmaster Society tent during the event in May.
Ms Birch said thankfully her hair didn’t weigh too much but she was looking forward to spending less time washing it.
“I’m definitely a little bit nervous,” she said.
“Nervous to see what it looks like and whether it suits me at all but the fact that I’m doing it for a good cause and will hopefully encourage people to really be generous, that's the motivation for going so drastic.”
But Ms Birch’s haircut won’t take place without support.
Donations can be made by visiting www.doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/amybirch
She said any donations were appreciated and thanked those who had already got behind the cause.