Charolais king of cattle

Agriculture is looking good, particularly the livestock sector: that was the message at the IGA Perth Royal Show Beef Interbreed Competition.

As the cattle paraded out onto the main arena, the four judges took turns explaining that each cattle breed had a certain purpose and suited various markets.

Judge Corey Ireland, of Ireland's Angus stud, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, said consistency was the challenge in any beef enterprise. This objective played out well in the Charolais breed, with it claiming three interbreed titles this year.

The Thompson family, of Venturon Charolais stud, Boyup Brook, were the first to win an interbreed ribbon for their breed of choice.

Their 19-month-old bull, Venturon Keystone, which was judged supreme exhibit of the breed earlier, was the best of the 11 junior bulls in the interbreed line-up.

Judge Ian Coghlan, of Queensland, said the bull met all the requirements - "well structured, good fertility and growth".

"This is our first interbreed bull at the show and all credit goes to my son, Harris," Venturon stud co-principal Anne Thompson said.

The Yost family, of Liberty Charolais stud, Toodyay, also brought their best to the main arena.

Liberty Jiffy, a 31-month-old senior cow, with calf at foot, carried the genetic make-up and ability to breed, according to judge Corey Ireland, who announced it as the interbreed senior female.

Earlier in the breeders group of three bulls interbreed competition, judge Scott Hann, of NSW, said the Liberty bulls were uniform and structurally sound.

Also having an impact on the interbreed competition with two wins was the Simmental cattle exhibited by the Kitchen family, of Bandeeka stud, Elgin.

Their supreme exhibit of the breed, Bandeeka Kakoda, a 1050kg senior bull, was awarded interbreed senior bull.

The Kitchens also won the inaugural breeders group of three interbreed competition.

Angus breeders John and Dale Jensen, of Fernwood Farm stud, Ledge Point, won their first interbreed junior heifer award with Fernwood Edwina.