An Australian Angus heifer has taken competing in online shows to the next level, winning her class in the Salt City Virtual Showdown in America.
Despite no cattle shows currently being held the McLauchlan family of PJ Cattle Co, Mortlake, Vic, took full advantage of the virtual show circuit, preparing and capturing an image and footage of their show prospect PJ Dream Q21.
And what happened next was a dream come true, with the eight-month-old winning her class against a number of high-class American exhibits.
Sired by SAV Abundance 6117 and from PJ Kite F20, PJ Dream Q21 was described as a "maternal powerhouse" by judge Riley Lafrentz of Wheatland Cattle Company, Beinfait, Saskatchewan, Canada.
"A very nice female ... love her added body and rib shape," Mr Lafrentz said.
"(She) will be a great, low maintenance, easy-fleshing brood cow."
International connections led Lochie McLauchlan to entering the competition.
"Fom my resent travels to Canada at the end of last year, I was lucky enough to make contacts back to the Hutchinson Community College. From there it was through a current student that asked if I would be interested in entering a heifer," Mr McLauchlan said.
"The main drive behind entering was I wanted to have a reason to wake up in the mornings to rinse and work on my heifer daily for this competition.
"It was also an awesome opportunity to promote not only myself but our breeding program."
Originally destined for the Royal Melbourne Show and local shows this year, Mr McLauchlan plans on showing the heifer at the 2021 Angus Youth National Roundup, Sydney Royal Show and National All Breeds Junior Heifer Expo.
Mr McLauchlan said his focus is now preparing his steer for the Royal Melbourne Show carcase competition.
"I can't wait to get back to a normal show and spent time reconnecting with our show families," he said.
