Royal Hobart Show still a family affair for Geards after 60 years

FOR 60 years, the Geard family at Broadmarsh has maintained a tradition of showing prized animals at the Royal Hobart Show.

Hobart Show Dairy Cows

FOR 60 years, the Geard family at Broadmarsh has maintained a tradition of showing prized animals at the Royal Hobart Show.

Paul and Elizabeth Geard, along with son Ben, run the dairy stud Green Glory Holsteins at their Jordan House property. From tomorrow, they will start bringing 14 Holsteins – six cows, four heifers, two bulls and two calves – into the animal pavilion for judging at this year’s show, which starts on Wednesday.

“Dad started showing pigs 60 years ago and we haven’t missed a beat since then but now we focus on the dairy cows,” Ben said.

Over the years, the family has won a swag of interbreed champion sashes.

“The Hobart Show is all about showing the dairy cattle to people who don’t normally get the chance to see the animals. We are just doing our bit to bridge the urban-rural divide. It’s a tradition for us – the whole family is involved. Even my five and six year-olds [Leila and Isobel] show cattle.”

Show patrons this year will find a new layout and a bigger sideshow alley for the four-day event but what hasn’t changed is the tradition of baking, art and craft. Of the children who flock through the gates on Wednesday, 122 will be from Lauderdale Primary School, who have submitted more than 150 entries.

“The kids are cooking all sorts of things, creating craft and have entered the new Lego construction category,’’ teacher Simone Taylor said.

Among her own students entering is 10-year-old Amanda Geeves.

“She’s cooking a chocolate cake. It will be Amanda’s first time at the show.’’

For details visit www.hobartshowground.com.au/show