Young cattle enthusiasts from across Australia flocked the Brunswick Showgrounds last week for the 21st annual WA Youth Cattle Camp (WAYCC), uniting passionate new and returning generations of the livestock industry.
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The three-day camp delivered an action-packed, hands-on experience, with smiles all round as participants were educated on all aspects of cattle management and handling across beef and dairy industries.
As the only event of its kind in Australia to combine both beef and dairy into one program, camp positions are in demand.
This year there were 103 participants, ranging from eight to 23 years of age, travelling from as far north as Exmouth and as far south as Albany, and even Tasmania.
Entrants were grouped by age and paired with experienced team leaders and cattle, either dairy or beef, depending on their chosen class.
They gained valuable skills in cattle husbandry, handling, leading and exhibiting, along with insights into production systems and workplace safety.
Hands-on learning was at the core of the experience, with young handlers practicing low-stress stock handling techniques and mastering skills such as washing, brushing, blow-drying, clipping and presenting cattle to a high standard.
Across the three days, spirits remained high on all fronts, with excitement building as the days went on.
The energy carried through to the final day, as participants proudly showcased their animals, celebrating what they learnt.
WAYCC president, Denise Lynch, said the new meat judging aspect was a success.
"We've had very positive feedback from the participants, helpers, and Lauren Smith from ICMJ (Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association) in regards to that, which is great," Ms Lynch said.
"Lauren hopes to come back next year and make it bigger and better which is exciting.
"The participants have been very engaged with all the sessions."
Ms Lynch said the steer assessment was also new this year.
"This ties back into the meat judging competition," she said.
"It's important for participants to be able to assess animals for breeding, but also to go into commercial meat markets.
"A lot of commercial producers are producing animals for meat purposes and we highlighted that this year by educating participants on how to recognise those animals, as well as different aspects of feeding too."
Ms Lynch said a lot of the helpers assisted the older participants with fitting cattle.
"Fitting is important when walking out into a show ring to present that animal the best way you can to ensure you attract the judges' attention," she said.
Ms Lynch commended the committee, staff, sponsors and helpers for all their hard work.
"We've had an amazing response from sponsors this year and we've been able to introduce a new volunteer bursary for a young person who's still eligible into the camp, and they are now volunteering at the camp, so it's an evolution of people coming back after competing," she said.
"It's lovely to see past participants volunteer their time to help out."
The awards were presented on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by an auction which raised $10,800 that will go towards running future camps.
Major award winners were Kate Power, who won the highest beef achiever award and Amelia Minson, who won the highest dairy achiever award, both winning a $2000 bursary to attend an event to pursue further education in their chosen industry.
The four scholarship winners were Emily Ghilarducci, Farmwest AI training scholarship, Zara Piggott, Angus Roundup Scholarship, Kendall Heliams, Tocal Beef Assessment Scholarship, and Amanda Cavenagh, Volunteer Bursary.
This year's WAYCC judges, Kirrily Johnson-Iseppi (beef) and Vaughn Johnston (dairy) were pleased to be a part of the experience.
Ms Johnson-Iseppi grew up on her family's mixed farming operation west of Roma in South West Queensland, with 800 stud and commercial Poll Hereford and Gelbvieh cows.
"Having gone through the youth show movement in eastern Australia when I was younger, I see huge value in these junior shows and think they represent a great opportunity for youth who are interested in the cattle industry to get involved," Ms Johnson-Iseppi said.
"It gives participants a chance to learn more about cattle, and to be able to meet friends and network with like-minded people.
"When asked by the committee if I'd fly from Queensland to help mentor the camp attendees in WA and judge their abilities in parading and junior judging, I jumped at the chance.
"I am always keen to give back to the youth programs that directly helped me attain the cattle knowledge and contacts I have around the world today."
Mr Johnston also grew up on a family farm.
A dairy farm, where his passion for livestock, genetics and agricultural innovation was formed early.
Mr Johnston now farms with his wife and three children running 200 to 300 beef cattle in the Adelaide Hills.
"I was involved in the camp as a tutor 19 years ago and it's quite amazing to see how it's grown since then," he said.
"These events are very important for young people to cut their teeth on, make friends, network, and make lifelong connections.
"It's unique to have both beef and dairy industries involved at the one event, as they are both great nutritious industries and it's great to see them working together.
"It's a really positive outcome for both industries.
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to judge here over these three days and it's very humbling.
"It's amazing to be involved with young people and be a part of educating them on these two great industries."
