Queenslanders have one terrific show on their doorstep - that's how a visitor from the US sees the spectacle of livestock and produce that comes together once a year in Brisbane.
Centre ring filled with the bustle of prime beef exhibits being paraded was a sight to see, according to Texan Sierra Franks, who was experiencing her first Brisbane Exhibition.
In Australia to visit friends, the professional livestock photographer took up the offer to work with Emily H Photography to cover the event and was in her element, snapping ribbon presentations from every angle.
"The Ekka is unbelievable," she said. "We don't have outside shows in the US. Probably the closest to this that we have is the Arizona Nationals."
At that, exhibitors travel from more than 25 states, bringing nearly 1700 head of cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs for competition and sale.
Sierra had a special interest in the Hereford ring on Friday morning thanks to her family's long interest in the breed in the US.
Her great great grandparents moved to Wisconsin from Russia before settling in Texas and becoming early adopters of the red-and-white cattle.
She's a fifth generation breeder, owning 320 registered Herefords along with a commercial herd, which are run on 1092 hectares in the Texas Panhandle.
"We love their docility," she said.
"I come from a large family - we show and sell across the country - and youngsters can show these cattle without worrying about getting their butts kicked."
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In her opinion, the cattle being shown at the Ekka would stack up well in competition in the States.
"It's definitely not what I expected.
"The quality and numbers are great to see."
Sierra studied photography and found a way to combine it with her love of livestock breeding, working with Legacy Livestock Imaging for year-round work.
She said that in the US, there was some kind of livestock show to go to every weekend.
"It's an awesome profession - I get to see so many different cultures, cattle and ways of doing things."
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
