A last minute decision to put forward a cow and calf in the Fantastic Females competition at Farmfest has paid dividends for Meandarra stud producer Darren Hegarty.
Carabar Blackcap Mary L35 from Carabar Angus with an was named the grand champion in the competition, after first being named the all breeds senior champion.
Stud principal Mr Hegarty said the decision to enter her in the competition had only been made when two young handlers became available.
"We weren't even planning on putting her in today.. it was a last minute decision when the kids turned up," he said.
Sired by Carabar Docklands D62 out of the Blackcap Mary family, Carabar Blackcap Mary L35 will go on to be displayed at Ag-Grow in Emerald.
Mr Hegarty said she had a great thickness and temperament and would go into their donor pool.
Judge Graham Brown from RSVP Droughtmasters said the quality of the line-up was tremendous and Carabar Blackcap Mary L35 was very hard to fault.
"She was full in behind those shoulders, she's got enough thickness and capacity, she's still feminine, she's sound on her feet and legs and has got a tremendous calf at foot," he said.
"There's not a lot more that we can ask of her.
"If you had 100 or 200 of those I think you'd be a very happy breeder."
Taking the runner-up spot was Santa Gertrudis cow Rosehill Matilda, exhibited by John and Rosemaree McCarthy, Clifton.
The McCarthys had previously won the Battle of the Bulls at Farmfest with their bull Rosehill Norman 31.
Mr Brown said Rosehill Matilda presented with a young calf at foot, had good capacity and tremendous length.
"She probably had a little bit more length than the Angus cow but not quite the depth and spring of rib as the Angus female, that's why she was in reserve today," he said.
Results
British Junior Female - 19 months & under: Amavale Peppa, Amavale Shorthorns
British Senior Female - Over 19 months: Carabar Blackcap Mary L35, Carabar Angus
Tropical Junior Female - 19 months & under: Rosehill Peaches, John and Rosemaree McCarthy
Tropical Senior Female - Over 19 months: Rosehill Matilda, John and Rosemaree McCarthy
European Junior Female - 19 months & under: Tanvale Pink Bourban, Tanvale Simmentals
European Senior Female - Over 19 months: Ro-Maree Moselle, Robyn Nobbs Ro Maree Limousins
Champion Female FarmFest All Breeds Junior: Rosehill Peaches, John and Rosemaree McCarthy
Reserve Champion Female FarmFest All Breeds Junior: Amavale Peppa, Amavale Shorthorns
Champion Female FarmFest All Breeds Senior: Carabar Blackcap Mary L35, Carabar Angus
Reserve Champion Female FarmFest All Breeds Senior: Rosehill Matilda, John and Rosemaree McCarthy
Grand Champion FarmFest Fantastic Female: Carabar Blackcap Mary L35, Carabar Angus
Runner-Up FarmFest Fantastic Female: Rosehill Matilda, John and Rosemaree McCarthy