2023 Victorian Highland State Show

The 2023 Victorian Highland State Show was held in conjunction with the Bendigo Agricultural Show, from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 October, the first in years after many a postponement.

Megan Howse

Shows

November 7, 2023

ight folds were represented – Bairnsley, Cambus Glen, Cleugh Burn, Glenstrae, Jazala, Mackinnon Skye, Mullameah and Serenity. This included 5 first time exhibitors to the State show – demonstrating the growing popularity of Highlands, great for showcasing the breed and for the future of showing in Victoria.

Most exhibitors arrived on Friday and got straight into show preparation – washing, blowing, grooming (and if you’re super organised, clipping and polishing horns). Once the cattle were looking their best, the exhibitors and breeders group made their way to the Bendigo RSL for the traditional dinner, popping out at 9pm to watch the Bendigo Show firework display. After checking and watering the cattle, it was time for bed before the big day.

The Highland judging took place on Saturday morning, with the bagpipes starting the proceedings. The judge Rick Smith took a real hands-on approach, great to see since Highlands like to disguise their defects under their fur. He gave constructive feedback and comments about the animals but also spent time engaging with the audience and educating the public about the importance of cattle temperament and the finer points of cattle conformation.

The Supreme Highland Exhibit went to the Grand Champion Female, Sassenach Dubh of Bairnsley and Grand Champion Bull was Kingsley of Jindabyne. Kingsley also went out and represented our breed superbly in the Grand Champion Interbreed Male of the Show, holding his own against the other beef breeds. The award for most successful first time exhibitor went to Lesley Harris and Hugo Howse of Cambus Glen Highlands.

As an added bonus, the Highland cattle exhibitors were complimented on how well presented the Highland exhibits were – with everyone dressed to the nines in the AHCS show uniform, and the stalls fitted out with curtains, AHCS flags and shed cards and fold banners. Mel Adams discovered a hidden talent – manning the wonderful VHBG display and stand, and flogging a record amount of highland-themed swag and raffle tickets.