Catherine Rawnsley, a beef cattle judge and very successful Angus exhibitor, giving a demonstration to novice North Island Lowline breeders.

Never too old to learn

Keen Kiwis prepare for first ever Australian Lowline classes
at a North Island Show

Some thoughts from Sally Yearbury

February 2008 and keen Kiwis prepare for the first ever Australian Lowline classes to be held at a North Island show. At the Paparimu Murray Grey and Angus Stud of Gary Allen and his daughter Catherine Rawnsley, intending exhibitors gathered to get some practical advice. Catherine has a wealth of judging knowledge and show preparation. Along with her Dad, she talked and demonstrated how to prepare and present our cattle for the show ring. Starting with the basics, we were shown how to tie animals up correctly on a short lead so they never tangled causing harm to themselves or others. While a light shower pasted over, Catherine demonstrated in the properties sale barn, the difference clipping made to the appearance of a heifer. The back line, ears, face, neck, belly and tail were all trimmed of surplus hair. Gary cautioned that trimming did take practise and a steady hand was needed. Catherine combed the animal through the body and, holding the hair in place with cattle hair spray, demonstrated how an animal could be given a look of depth and length.

Robert Baird practising parading.

Leading our animals around the lawn we were told to hold our heads up, to keep an eye on the judge at all possible times, and to plan ahead so when stopped we were in a favourable position to stand our animals squarely to their best advantage. These basic points were all new to nearly all of those who attended and were greatly appreciated.