Monto boy wins national Jersey Australia photo competition

Oliver Pailthorpe snapped the winning shot on his family's dairy farm, located 20 minutes from Monto, with judges for the annual competition saying they were impressed with the photograph's moody atmosphere and clear composition.

Young Oliver is a fitting ambassador for the breed, already dreaming of developing his own Jersey stud.

He is a regular participant in the biennial Monto Dairy Festival and has led the festival's parade for the past two years.

This year the youngster also competed in the junior handler classes at the Gympie Show.

While the Pailthorpes' herd is mostly Ayrshire, Jerseys also have a significant role and are Oliver's favourites.

Oliver's parents Steve Pailthorpe and Helen Goody say his successful photo reflects his passion for the cows.

It happened by chance during a farm photo shoot last December when Ms Goody was taking family photos.

"I was taking photos of the boys for Christmas cards and I got Oliver to hold my camera while I was doing something," she said.

"Goldie was hanging around and he snapped a couple of photos which turned out very nicely."

Oliver said he liked Jerseys because they have "creamy milk, big black eyes and are very friendly" and his family is encouraging his interest in the breed.

"Oliver is mad on his Jerseys so there are a few more creeping into the herd," Ms Goody said.

"He wants to own his own stud and he wants to show them so we're helping and encouraging him."

Despite his young age, Oliver is already taking a hands-on role with breeding and raising the calves, according to his mother.

"He helps Steve pick which A.I. straws to buy, though he does pick some of them by their name,"" she said.

"His favourite A.I. bull at the moment is a Jersey bull called Oliver."

Oliver has won a Jersey Australia membership and a voucher package.