Young Aussies turn in top-shelf performance at World Hereford Forum

Four young Australians have turned in a top-rate performance, representing their country at the World Hereford Conference young breeders' competition at Kansas City, in the United States.

The passionate young, whiteface beef cattle enthusiasts, Emily Taylor, Quipolly, near Quirindi, Tabby Cross, Indigo Valley, Victoria, Will Van Gend, O'Connell, and Lochie McLauchlan, Camperdown, Vic, went head-to-head with 11 teams from seven countries.

Their performance has been described by Herefords Australia chief executive officer Hamish Chandler as nothing short of exceptional.

The team claimed the award for the champion fitting team, which team mentor Tim Reid said was a major international accolade showcasing their technical skill, teamwork and professionalism under pressure.

Ms Taylor also earned the reserve individual champion's sash in the meat judging section.

Mr Reid said it was an extraordinary achievement as the only competitor outside the US to place in the university section.

Australia was the only country outside of the US and Canada to share a place in the winners' circle.

"Beyond the results, the team earned widespread praise for their sportsmanship, leadership, and the way they represented Australia and the Hereford breed."

He said the Young Breeders Competition brought together the next generation of beef industry leaders for a week of competition, learning and cultural exchange, held alongside the World Hereford Conference, one of the most significant international gatherings in the beef industry.

"It's a powerful example of the strength of Australian youth in agriculture and how our next generation is earning global respect through hard work, collaboration, and pride in the breed," he said.

"The fact that Emily Taylor took out reserve meat animal evaluation champion in the meat judging is something to write records about.

"To be the only person outside of America to even win something at the university section of the competition is absolutely, truly fabulous. And she needs to be so proud and be congratulated for the time, the effort, the work that she must have put in to achieve that goal."

He also praised the team for its win in the fitting competition.

"The one thing that really stuck it to the North Americans to say, 'hey, we Aussies can do it as good if not better than you'," Mr Reid said.

"To walk away with the win there and to walk away with a win that was so convincingly won is absolutely amazing for them, and we're so proud of them for that achievement."

Ms Taylor said one of the biggest challenges she faced was the long journey from Tamworth to Kansas City, which included two stopovers and took about 18 hours in total.

"It was exhausting, but arriving a day early gave me time to adjust, rest, and get settled before the competition began," she said.

"My personal highlights included the livestock judging - especially the pigs and sheep, which were new experiences for me - as well as the meat judging section.

"Working as part of a team was an amazing experience.

"We took the time to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we supported one another when challenges came up. As individuals, we all had our own moments to shine, but our teamwork truly helped us succeed collectively."

Ms Taylor said the atmosphere of the competition was "electric" from start to finish.

"When people say they do things big in America, they're not exaggerating!" she said.

"Seeing the facilities at Kansas State University and the American Royal first-hand was inspiring and showed just how much passion and effort go into their agricultural programs."