An eight-hour drive worthwhile as NSW cattle breeder recognised for efforts
After being introduced to the Hereford breed seven years ago, a young up-and-coming northern NSW cattle breeder has been recognised for his dedication to the breed and for helping others.
Among the many special awards presented throughout the 2025 Harris Farm Herefords Australia National Youth Expo, 20-year-old Damon Murphy was announced the recipient of the Jason Sutherland Memorial award.
Attending the heifer expo only for the second time, and making an eight-hour trip down to the nation's capital from Bellata, near Narrabri, Mr Murphy said receiving the award was overwhelming.
"I'm honoured to receive that award," he said.
"I guess it's being in the right place at the right time to be able to be in the spotlight to receive an award like that.
"I'll have that award ten times over a trip any day of the week because to me it's more of a memorable award for not just me but for everyone there to see me win it."
Since being introduced the the breed by Graham and Felicity Reeves, Reevesdale Poll Herefords, Inverell, Mr Murphy has been a part of several youth committees as well as starting his own stud DTM Poll Herefords with a heifer gifted to him by the Reeves family.
For the past seven months, Mr Murphy has gone on to work for Scott and Pip Hann, Truro Whiteface, Bellata, to further his knowledge and experience within the industry.
Daryl Holder said the award was in memory of Jason Sutherland, who died in June 2019 at the age of 41 and was heavily involved in the Hereford breed.
"Jason was passionate about his Herefords, having exhibited them at Sydney, Canberra, Moss Vale and other regional shows," he said.
"He always had an encouraging word for young people and was always available to provide assistance.
"When Jason died, I wanted to do something to keep his memory alive and I wanted someone that was Jason, who was there to help people, who was the quiet achiever.
"I looked at him [Damon] a few times and he was just there doing a few things because he wanted to help people."
This wasn't the first time Mr Murphy had received this type of prestigious award, but the second in a matter of months.
"Earlier in the year, I was also lucky enough to receive a similar award, the Will Tanner Memorial Award at the Northern NSW Hereford Youth Camp," Mr Murphy said.
"It's received by the person who was like Will, he was always a person who would help anyone and get in and have a go and make sure everyone was included.
"I think that's a pretty cool achievement to win two similar awards in one year, obviously it means I do the right thing and it pays to be yourself, I guess."
