P.J. Budler to judge COVID-19-2020 Virtual Online Show

It’s showtime! Despite almost every show in Australia being canned due to coronavirus restrictions, a cattle judging competition has breathed life into the show ring by launching into the digital space.

SCRUB THEM UP: Stud breeders are encouraged to prepare their cattle for an online judging competition. Picture: Debrah Novak

INTERNATIONAL judges from prestigious studs will have their eyes on Australian bulls, cows and steers during a special competition.

Despite almost every show in Australia being canned due to coronavirus restrictions, Matt and Shannon Sowden have given life to the show ring by shifting the event into the digital space.

The family has launched the COVID-19-2020 Virtual Online Show, which will allow breeders to brandish their cattle.

Entry is free.

“This is purely to boost spirits and morale during the coronavirus,” Mr Sowden said.

“We hosted our own show steer and heifer sale and two days before our auction the Sydney Royal Easter Show was cancelled.

“People bought our steers with hopes of competing at the exhibition. They would have been pencilled in.

“That was an eye-opener for us, so we wanted to do something to give back.

“There was so much disappointment all the shows had been cancelled, given the time and effort people put into their cattle.”

Instead of parading live animals in front of a judge, entrants of the Covid-19 event will submit one photo.

It’s a move that has broadened the playing field.

The tyranny of distance, as breeders have to physically truck cattle to shows, is no longer relevant.

Mr Sowden is hoping people from right across the country throw their hats into the (virtual) ring.

“As it’s based off a photo, the animal doesn’t actually have to be broken in to be led, it can be an upcoming sale bull or a good first cow you are going to keep,” he said.

“We think this is perfect timing. It’s school holidays soon so kids can get out with their cattle, brush them up and get them looking right for a competition.”

Nominations close next Wednesday, April 8. Event classes include bulls, females and steers.

Within hours of the competition going live, Mr Sowden was garnering interest and there are already more than 30 official nominations.

“It’s doing exactly what we wanted in lifting spirits and getting people’s minds off the current situation we are going through,” he said.

“We are grateful to the Rural Weekly, who helped us out with prizemoney and prize vouchers.

“We have more than $9000 in prizes.”

Mr Sowden has selected some of the best judges in the world.

He described them as “breed icons”.

P.J. Budler, who is the founder of the Champions of the World, will have the big job of judging the Champion of Champions.

Mr Budler is from South Africa but will livestream his announcement from his Texas office on the evening of Sunday, April 19.

People who tune in will be able to hear the expert talk about the traits and confirmation standards he used to pick his winner.

Visit Five Star Creative Promotions on Facebook for more information on how to enter.

Keen to enter?

- All entries are free.

- Bulls can be no older than 30 months, females no older than 36 months as of May 1, 2020.

- There are more than 15 breed categories, as well as other breed and small breed classes.

- For the steers, all breeds and crossbreeds are welcome.

Champion of champions prize

The Rural Weekly has donated two full-page advertisements, or four half-page advertisements for the winner