Taking Stock: A letter to junior show competitors

The led steer competition is probably over by now and your white coat is back hanging nicely on the rack as you sit down to read this.

You've finished for the day but everyone else your age is polishing their boots and adjusting their ties for the junior judging.

For the last four years you've shrugged off the opportunity to compete.

You don't think you know enough about cattle. Maybe another day, is what you tell your parents.

It's not the crowd that intimidates you, not even the microphone is scary.

The butterflies in your stomach are because you lack the confidence needed to be bold in an industry where you are expected to know it all.

You've grown up on a cattle property, so you should have just been born with this knowledge bank right?

Not entirely.

Everybody has something they regret in life.

Maybe it's not buying a prize winning bull at auction or selling off a favourite ram.

It could be the time you didn't take up a new job or just not picking the Wagyu steak at the restaurant.

It might seem insignificant now but I'm here to tell you that when you look back, you'll realise that junior judging offers so much more than just a colourful ribbon.

Don't worry about the what ifs; what if I get it wrong? What if my comments aren't right? What if I freeze?

Have you ever thought about what if you get it right? What if you stand proudly and have your voice heard? What if you see something others can't?

Having the ability to assess an animal based on their phenotype is a skill that is better than any university degree.

Having the belief to pick up a microphone and talk in front of a crowd can be useful for any occupation.

Having the confidence to make an opinion and be brave enough to share it is an asset you'll use in everyday life.

The next time you hang up your white coat nicely on the rack, remember that you're not finished for the day.

You don't need polished boots, a tie or a flash cowboy hat; walk up to the secretary's office and put your name down for that competition.

Look through the animals, listen to the advice of a friendly face and write down what you believe to be true.

When they call your name, take a breath, hold the microphone and speak.

The placings won't matter.

You want to know why? Because nobody ever got to the top without starting from the bottom.

Learn from your first attempt and use it as determination for the next time.

This competition will give you lifelong skills, in fact don't think of it as a competition; think of this as a challenge.

Now is the time, while you are still young, to make mistakes because there will be plenty of wisdom willingly waiting to help you turn them into rewards.

Today it might seem like the only thing it brings is hundreds of butterflies but it's even scarier trying to ask those questions when you're twice your age.

Everybody has something they regret in life - don't let it be this fantastic event.

Yours truly,

A junior show competitor who wishes they gave it a crack.