From the Kimberley to Rocky: WA ringers win golden ticket to Brahman Week

Two young women from the Kimberley have been handed one of the beef industry's most sought-after opportunities, travelling more than 3000 kilometres to experience the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale on a prestigious 10-day scholarship.

The Fitzroy Crossing Bull Sale scholarship is regarded as a launchpad for the next generation of northern cattle workers, with winners flown east to tour Queensland's leading studs, visit processing plants, and stand inside the nation's biggest multi-vendor bull sale complex.

In 2025, the honour went to WA ringers Darcie Ingram and Louise Clifton, who admitted the experience had changed the way they viewed the cattle industry.

For Ms Ingram, who works at Nerrima Station three hours west of Broome, it was her second time setting foot at a bull sale, with the Fitzroy Crossing bull sale marking her first time.

"My manager and assistant manager suggested I apply for the scholarship and helped me fill out the questionnaire," she said.

"A few weeks later, I was told I'd been selected."

The 20-year-old said walking into the Gracemere selling complex for the sale, which kicked off on October 6, was an overwhelming but inspiring first.

"It's amazing to see the scale here, the vendors, the number of bulls on offer... it's very different from what I'm used to," she said.

At Nerrima, she had worked predominantly with Brangus cattle, but said the exposure to Queensland seedstock operations had opened her eyes to the power of data and estimated breeding values.

"Learning about EBVs has been the biggest eye-opener," she said.

"I'd never worked with bulls that had that kind of information attached. To see how open they are about the figures, and how selective they are in improving their herds, has been really valuable."

For 22-year-old Ms Clifton, who has spent the past four years as a ringer across Ruby Plains and Flora Valley stations, the trip added another dimension to her work on the ground.

"My boss pushed me to apply," she said.

"He'd had another worker go across last year and loved it, so I was pretty lucky to get the chance to."

While she had helped at the Fitzroy Crossing Bull Sale in WA, she said nothing compared to the scale of Rockhampton.

"The selling complex here is incredible," she said.

"Back home we might have Brangus, Droughtmaster, Brahman and Santa bulls at Fitzroy, but nothing compares to this."

The scholarship itinerary stretched from Brisbane through to central Queensland, including stops at prominent studs - Valera Vale Droughtmasters, Redline Brangus, SC Droughtmasters, and operations such as Barlyne Pastoral, as well as a tour of JBS Dinmore.

"It was valuable to see how studs run smaller, more intensive herds compared to the big, extensive country we're used to," Ms Clifton said.

"Even though properties feel smaller here, the control they have over their herds makes it very different. It's definitely more intensive."

Both women said the chance to meet industry leaders and see behind the scenes of Queensland's stud sector was the biggest benefit of the trip.

"Everyone is a lot more selective," Ms Ingrim said.

"They cull heavily, they test their bulls, and they're always working towards improving the herd."

The scholarship, which covers travel and accommodation, was designed to bridge the gap between northern station hands and the genetics-driven heart of Australia's beef industry.

For Ms Clifton, the program reinforced her commitment to learning more about the production chain.

"It's been a really great experience," she said.

For Ms Ingram, it was confirmation she had chosen the right career.

"The scholarship has given me a whole new perspective," she said.

"And it makes me even keener to keep going."