Royal Melbourne Show interbreed: Simmental win

Mavstar Simmentals took home the interbreed sash and celebrated 50 years of the breed at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Melbourne Royal Show interbreed champions Jacob, Ruby and Rita Canning from Mavstar Simmentals at Mt Myamyn. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin.

It was an emotional win for the Canning family, who took home their first ever Interbreed sash at the Melbourne Royal cattle show at the weekend.

There were a few tears shed by Rita and Ruby Canning when their champion heifer, showed with her five-month-old calf, was announced as the supreme beef interbreed exhibit.

The Cannings were understandably moved by the win, which marked an extraordinary legacy of both the Simmental breed and their family stud.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Rita’s father, Maverick Simmentals stud principal Peter Schembri, and 50 years of the Simmental breed in Australia.

“It’s pretty special,” Rita said. “Dad passed away 10 years ago and we’ve keep going with the Simmentals and the showing and we’re doing our own thing now with Mavstar.”

Rita’s daughter Ruby added: “We’re not a big operation but we’re very passionate about cattle and doing it together as a family – and it’s a legacy we get to continue on for Pa.”

Rita Canning and her daughter Ruby shed a few tears as their Simmental heifer was announced interbreed champion. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin.

The Mavstar heifer winner was praised by all judges for outstanding breeding, demonstrated by her calf.

“Our supreme today was unanimous, she’s a beautiful two-year-old Simmental cow with a five-month calf at foot,” interbreed judge Andrew Green said.

“She’s such a fault-free cow, a cow you could paint any colour and still have her stand out.

“She’s easy maintenance and that’s what it’s about for the beef industry.”

Rita Canning from Mavstar Simmentals at Mt Myamyn showing her Supreme Champion Interbreed, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The Cannings almost missed out on their first interbreed title after deciding to enter last minute.

They last showed at the Melbourne Royal in 2018.

“It’s a really special year to win with the 50 years of the Simmental breed in Australia – today was a big day for the Simmental breed,” Ruby said.

“It was also really special to win supreme of the show with a home-bred animal.

“The cow goes back to Pa’s genetics and we bred the bull – it’s all Mavstar and Maverick bloodlines and that’s what makes it more meaningful than anything.”