We are excited for the return of the Commercial Cattle Competition!

Join us this Thursday 15 January and Friday 16 January as we hit the road to visit 12 on‑farm entries across two full days. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic event with plenty to see, learn, and enjoy along the way.  

 

What’s happening across the two days:

- On‑farm visits to all competing entries

- Guest speakers sharing insights throughout the tour

- Morning tea and lunch available each day on the trail

- Great company, great cattle, and a great chance to connect with others in the industry  

 

Winners will be announced at the conclusion of Day Two during the dinner at the Crookwell Services Club.  

 

A bus will be available for those who’d like to travel as a group. Secure your seat or for more information contact:

- Mez McCormack (Elders): 0488 732 020

- Hugh Erwin (Zoetis): 0438 610 688

 

We’re looking forward to another excellent competition and hope to see you out on the farms!

 

DETAILS

 

​​Dates: Thursday 15th and Friday 16th January 2026

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Entries Closing Date: Friday 5th December 2025

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Competition Area: Upper Lachlan Shire

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Entry Fee: $ 50 per property (payment details listed with entry forms)

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Entry: To enter either

• Fill out an entry form found at Elders Crookwell

• Follow the attached QR Code

 

Categories:

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Pen of 10 Heifers: Unjoined, joined or PTIC heifers (vendor-bred).

1st, 2nd, and 3rd  will be awarded.

 

NO COW-CALF CATEGORY FOR 2026 – if entrants would like to display a pen of cow-calf pairs, they are welcome, but these will not be judged in the 2026 competition. (may be included in following years if there is interest to do so).

 

Encouragement award.

This will be awarded to the entry that has not won another award but shows clear commercial attributes and vision to improve the herd.

 

People’s (Spectator’s) Choice Award- will be run during the event

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Conditions

All cattle must be vendor-bred.

All cattle must come from a commercial herd. If the entrant also owns a registered stud, it must be disclosed.

All entrants are to supply breeding aims and objectives with their entry, which will be printed in the competition booklet.

On the day of judging, cattle are to be penned in suitable yard for judging on-farm. Other entrants and spectators are invited to join the bus tour and attend each judging session on-farm. Schedule of farms to be advised once entries are closed.

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Judges

There will be two judges. Mr Jeff House, Forbes NSW and Mr Warren Miller, Bylong NSW.

 

Judging Components

Cattle will be judged on their phenotype including confirmation, temperament and consistency of type as a pen as well as suitability for stated herd breeding objectives.

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Speakers

An important note is that the competition will host industry speakers to present on specific topics through the course of the competition, 4 speakers with 2 each day. Program to be advised once entries are confirmed.

These will be;

 

• Daniel Lewis (Elders Goulburn/Crookwell Senior Agronomist)

• Lachlan Ayoub (Zoetis Genetics Key Account Manager)

• Edwina Warby (Black Box Co)

• Crookwell Vet Hospital – Q&A

 

Transport

The committee will run a bus for spectators and entrants. Bookings are essential. A small fee will apply. Contact Hugh Erwin (Zoetis) – 0438 610 688 to book a seat

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Presentation

Presentation of 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed commercial heifer herds along with the encouragement award will be presented on Friday 16th evening at the Crookwell Services Club at the conclusion of the last farm visit and judging.

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Feedback

Entrants and crowd will be asked for their honest feedback at the conclusion of event to help further build a worthwhile event

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Enquiries

For any enquires please contact

Hugh Erwin (Zoetis) – 0438 610 688 or

Mez McCormack (Elders) – 0488 732 020