Around the Ring: Record numbers for 2025 Wowan Show cattle competition

The cattle ring at the 2025 Wowan show was buzzing with energy as a record-breaking 92 head paraded before the judge, marking the biggest competition in the event's history.

For chief steward Ross McCamley from Lancefield Brahmans, Wowan, who has guided the section for more than two decades alongside his wife Jodie, it was a proud moment.

"We had a fantastic showing," he said.

"Ninety-two head is the biggest show we've ever had.

"Previously, it was 60 head leading up to Beef week, so we're extremely grateful to all the exhibitors that came out today and especially the juniors - we're really seeing the growth in junior numbers, which is great for the future of the beef industry."

This year, juniors made up nearly half the competition, with 44 young handlers stepping into the ring - enough to split into two heats.

"The fact that we had to split them into two heats just shows how many juniors there are, and it's great to see all the young ones coming through and their enthusiasm," Mr McCamley said.

Out of the 44 paraders, it was Max Sedgman, who took home the champion parader title of the day, representing the 11 and under 14 age group.

For Mr McCamley, the growth had been extraordinary.

When he first began stewarding, the competition barely managed 10 or 15 head.

"I've been doing it for almost 22 years, and then once Jodie came along, she's been helping me," he said.

"But it's grown... we started in a small pen and we were probably lucky to get 10 or 15 head, and now to have 92 head, that's a huge growth."

Adding to the excitement was the quality of cattle presented, something that didn't escape the eye of judge Meghan Kent from Ooline M Brahmans.

"The calibre of animals that have come through the ring for such a small local show has been unreal, not to mention the number of exhibits alone," she said.

Ms Kent, who began her own journey in the show ring back in 2005, said the standard of juniors in the paraders competition also impressed her.

"Even the quality of juniors coming through has been incredible," she said.

"I feel like the bar has definitely stepped up since I was competing, and it's really cool to see."

Now running her own stud, Ooline M Brahmans, and working at William Stockfeeds, Ms Kent said she was grateful for the chance to support the small country shows that gave her a start.

"I love being able to support the little shows and give back to something that I got so much from when I was doing it," she said.

Full results

Junior champion female - N-Bar Vibe, exhibited by N-Bar Brangus

Reserve junior champion female - SEE Miss Pablo Prowl, exhibited by SEE Performance Brahmans

Junior champion male - Diamond H Bently, exhibited by the Dodson family

Reserve junior champion male - Redskin Red Label, exhibited by Renee Rutherford

Senior champion female - Bullakeana Xena, exhibited by N-Bar Brangus

Reserve senior champion female - N-Bar Vegemite, exhibited by N-Bar Brangus

Senior champion male - Bullakeana Extreme, exhibited by the Hanson family

Reserve senior champion male - MCL Hombre, exhibited by MCL Brahmans

Supreme exhibit of the show - Bullakeana Extreme, exhibited by the Hanson family

Champion parader - Max Sedgman