With wisdom beyond his years, Mac Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters, is the youngest exhibitor in the Droughtmaster judging, and has already decided the direction his career will take when he leaves school.
At six years of age, Mac exhibited Vale View M Gator, who was placed first in the six to nine months class, while his cow Vale View M Zena with a calf a foot named Gidgee was placed second in the 30 to 36 months class.
His third exhibit, Vale View M Fee, was unplaced but sold to $5500 at auction at the Beef Genetics Focus Sale.
Mac couldn’t wait to get back to school for ‘show and tell’ to show the other kids his blue and red ribbons.
“It is very exciting winning a ribbon here at Beef 2018,” he said.
He has 30 registered head, which runs parallel with parents David and Colleen Smith, Vale View Droughtmaster Stud, Manumbar.
“I really have a love of animals,” he said. “I am really looking forward to working for Dad when I leave school.”
And there is nothing more that Mac loves doing than washing and feeding feeding his cattle before and after school.
Mac has sold bulls to $18,000 at the Droughtmaster National sale at Gracemere, to Lindsay Park Droughtmasters, Bell, in 2016.
“I really don’t get sad when I sell them as it is part of my business,” he said.
He will offer three bulls at this year’s Droughtmaster National event.
And Mac has for plans to spend some of the proceeds from the sale of his heifer Fee.
“I will buy some Leggo.”