WA’s best stockmen gear up for KPCA Livestock Handling Cup

Station workers are sharpening their skills for the WA pastoral industry’s biggest competitive event, with applications now open for the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association’s annual Livestock Handling Cup. Now in its fifth year, the two-day event brings together pastoralists, producers and stock crew from across WA’s north to showcase the best in low stress livestock handling. This year’s event will be held at the Sandfire Roadhouse, Eighty Mile Beach, on September 15 and 16. KPCA chief executive Mick Sheehy said the event was all about promoting quality stockmanship in a competitive but friendly environment. “This annual event has become a vital industry tool to promote leading practice and animal welfare standards and lead the way for a positive dialogue between producers and the public,” he said. The first day of the event will see industry leaders from across Australia share insight and knowledge on animal welfare and biosecurity best practice through talks, demonstrations and interactive workshops. “This will be a great opportunity for station staff who cannot attend the annual KPCA conference to learn about foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease,” Mr Sheehy said. The cup will take place on the second day, with teams assessed against three key criteria: animal welfare, teamwork and stockmanship. Mr Sheehy said the event attracted competitors from across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, as well as a host of industry stakeholders from around the country. Entry is $55 per team and free for spectators. Visit kpca.net.au/livestock-handling-cup to register.