Parthenaise breed makes history at Canberra Royal 2024

Exhibited by Darren and Sarah Purse, Braidwood, the two year-old heifer, sired by Coquin and out of Marcella, was described to have natural width, a very sweet head and was freely moving by judge Steve Crowley, Tycolah Poll Herefords, Barraba.

"She holds muscle very well," he said.

Thelma shot to the top over the other entrant, the grand champion bull FBS Tiny Tim also exhibited by the Purses.

Mr Crowley said the 22 month-old bull, sired by Richelieu and out of Emily, had muscling throughout, as well as length, width and stretch.

When the two exhibits went head-to-head Mr Crowley said the female had a bit more capacity which put her on top.

Exhibitor Mr Purse said they had only had Parthernaise cattle for two years, currently with four heifers and two bulls, along with several embryos imported from overseas which started their herd.

He said the supreme exhibit was from a French bull and Irish dam.

"She's got presence, she's got feminine features in her face," he said.

"She's a good mix of length and build - refined beauty."

Mr Purse said he decided to go with Parthenaise cattle after ringing the rare breeds trust, as we wanted to bring more genetic diversity into Australia with more breeds.

"I could see this breed good to go over Brahmans in the north," he said.

Mr Purse said he also has 50 embryos of Whitebred Shorthorn from the UK.

Judge: Steve Crowley, Tycolah Poll Herefords, Barraba.

Senior champion bull: FBS Tiny Tim, exhibited by Darren and Sarah Purse, Braidwood.

Senior champion female: FBS Thelma, Darren and Sarah Purse, Braidwood.

Supreme exhibit: FBS Thelma, Darren and Sarah Purse, Braidwood.