Everyone is loving the 2023 Royal Easter Show

Talk about a hair-do. Everyboyd wanted a shot of Juan the poodle as the Royal Easter Show kicked into gear on Good Friday. Check out all the action from the opening two days.

Four years ago, Steve Atkins wore a suit to work every day as he ran 34 private hospitals across the country. Now he spends his days boots-deep in mud, wrangling cows.

The businessman turned champion farmer is attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show for the first time this year, showing his award-winning Speckled Park cows, this year’s feature cattle breed.

It’s a stark difference to his old life.

“It was time for a change. We were always travelling when we ran the private hospitals, and I think Covid brought me back to home to the farm,” he said.

“Farm life is certainly more enjoyable, and well, the cows are good.”

It might be Mr Atkin’s first time showing cows at the Royal Easter Show but he has already won big.

Evie Clifton-Smith loving her day at the Royal Easter Show. Sam Ruttyn

Stephanie McPherson on the tea cup ride. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sisters Luna and Millie Elali in the Little Hands on the Land exhibit.. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“One of our cows was crowned the junior champion heifer, she’s done really well. She was up against 80 other cows,” he said.

“A lot of people came up to us and said: ‘You’ve got a good one there’ so we thought she must have been in with a shot, but we didn’t expect this.”

What makes a speckled cow special?

Ride goers at the Royal Easter Show Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sonny Trouville feeding a goat. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“To start off, they look good. But, in the beef industry, it’s also about the structure of the animal. It’s about the meat quality, the yield. They are hardy, and easy doing. Not only do they look pretty amazing, but they are very profitable.”

The animals were a big hit for onlookers as well. Many attendees flocked to the undercover animal pavilions to escape the unexpectedly warm and sunny day.

Billi Trouville was also loving the animal enclosure. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Of course the show is really about the farmers, he livestock and the produce.

But, when you are a kid, it’s also about all the other fun things as well.

It was nine-year-old Charlotte Roy’s first time at The Easter Show.

Sofia, Chloe, Hannah, Alicia and Jasper pictured enjoying the afternoon sun. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Juan the champion Poodle groomed by owner Rebecca Wistuba before the show. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

While the rides and sugary treats were good, she said her favourite part of the day was spending time with the animals.

“I loved being in the sheep section and seeing the woman spin the wool, it was really interesting,” she said.

For 12-year-old Alicia, nothing beats the show’s ­atmosphere.

“It’s been quite fun, the best part has been the energy and the atmosphere. Everyone is so hyped up and ready for fun. We have been loving the adrenaline rides,” she said.