Bothwell couple John and June Pilcher dubbed Living Legends of the Show for 2016

BOTHWELL beef producers John and June Pilcher have officially achieved “legend” status at the Royal Hobart Show.

BOTHWELL beef producers John and June Pilcher have officially achieved “legend” status at the Royal Hobart Show.

Based at their Neelai Santa Gertrudis stud — boasting a historic homestead and stable built in 1854 — the Pilchers are celebrating their 40th show this year.

They were elevated to legend status as about 14,000 people passed through the Elwick showground gates on People’s Day at the annual event.

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John and June Pilcher run Neelai Santa Gertrudis beef stud at Bothwell. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

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“There is a strong bond of friendship,” Mr Pilcher said ahead of his 40th outings.

“Showing at Royal Hobart is like a family unit.”

The Pilchers said socialising was one of the best parts of exhibiting their red cattle, including meeting people from all over the state each year.

They also enjoy handing on their knowledge to the growing numbers of junior handlers who have taken an interest in the industry.

“We are starting to slow down a bit and we want to give back for all the help we have received,” Mr Pilcher said.

The couple do a lot of work with students from the Jordan River Learning Federation and have loaned the school farm four Santa Gertrudis heifers, which are being shown by students.

Stuart Cordwell, the federation’s farm manager, was also celebrated today with life membership of the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania.

Mr Cordwell has built a strong relationship between the Royal Hobart Show, the federation, and its students, who get hands-on experience at the show every year through their animal husbandry work.

A former student of the federation, Kirilee Beveridge, has been named as the Royal Hobart Show’s 2017 Rural Ambassador.

Other highlights today have included the celebrity ice off competition, which was won by Derwent MLC Craig Farrell when he pipped Speaker Elise Archer at the sugary post.

The traditional Grand Parade at 2.20pm is set to include animals, farm machinery, vintage vehicles, and — for the first time — a monster truck.

Originally published as Bothwell couple John and June Pilcher dubbed Living Legends of the Show for 2016