SOME of the nation’s best show steers are set to do battle later this month despite never seeing each other or the judge in real life.
Entries will open on August 6 for the Limitless Show Supplies Online Steer Show, a cattle competition run entirely through virtual means and ending travel boundaries hindering the best animals from competing.
Organised by 18-year-old South Australian Annie Boon, competitors pay a $10 entry fee and record a 30 second video of their steer along with two photographs of the animal and one capturing the steer’s weight on scales.
A panel of three judges will then analyse the animals on August 24.
Entries will be split into three weight categories; domestic (300-400kg), heavy domestic (400-500kg) and export (500kg and over). A separate jackpot class will also be held with winners taking a percentage of the total entry fees ($25 each).
Inspired by a recent trip to America, Ms Boon wanted to bring the online concept to her own country.
She said it was an opportunity for schools and breeders alike, short of time or funds, to compete with the country’s best.
“I know the school I used to go to would have loved an opportunity like this and I know breeders around the country would love to too,” she said.
“I think this is probably the time of year that is going to work for the majority of states. Adelaide Show is coming up, the Ekka, Melbourne Show is in September/October.
“We have probably got a good string of carcase shows that are coming up that people have already prepped for.”
Ms Boon and her family run a Simmental and Angus stud on two properties spanning 202 hectares on the Central Fleurieu Peninsula.
Not only does she break in and fit cattle, Ms Boon also recently established a show supplies business after making contacts with distributors in America.
As a passionate lover of the traditional show circuit she said the virtual concept wasn’t out to compete with the real life events.
“I think it definitely opens a lot up to those who can’t make it to shows and there isn’t anything on a national level for steers, let alone anything else that I can think of off the top of my head,” Ms Boon said.
“Being in the States, I think they are a real way in front of us in the quality of cattle and way of showing. Maybe this is the way we can help improve our show industry and the quality of cattle showing.”
Some sponsorship support is still needed. To enter the competition or sponsor, email sales@showcattlesuppliesaustralia.com.au