May 16, 2016
The Blackbutt Showgrounds were jam-packed on Saturday for the 82nd annual Blackbutt Show, and visitors and competitors came from all over the South Burnett, Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley to take part.
The early part of the day was devoted to competitions and the Showground’s main arena was split between riders competing in a range of equestrian events and cattlemen (and women) taking part in the cattle competitions.
Elsewhere, dog owners vied for honours in the Champion Dog Show.
This year the Young Judges and Young Handlers competitions were especially fierce as they were also the South Burnett Sub-Chamber finals.
Kingaroy’s Amy Birch, 18, was selected to go on to the Ekka to represent the South Burnett in this year’s Young Judges competition, and only narrowly missed out on representing the region in the Young Handlers’ competition, where she placed second.
Former South Burnett sub-chamber president Ritchie O’Neill said he was very impressed with the standard of entries, and believed the annual Young Judges and Young Handlers competitions were important for the region’s young people who wanted to make a future in agriculture.
“It creates better beef producers who can select the right animals for breeding,” he said.
“Competitions like these are one very important role that agricultural societies play in all our communities.”
This year a bevy of sponsors supported the stud beef cattle and led steer competitions, and there were many competitors vying for ribbons and prize-money.
Later in the day, the Show Society also officially opened the Showground’s latest addition – the new Almond Brothers cattle shed, named in honour of a well-respected local family that has contributed a collective 150 years of service to the Blackbutt Show Society.
The new shed provides all-weather cover for cattle and was clearly appreciated by competitors, who used it to shelter their beasts as they waited their turns in the ring.
Elsewhere, guests at this year’s Show could take in a wide range of pavilion exhibits covering everything from photography, flowers and children’s art through to fresh vegetables, cookery, quilting and woodwork; or enjoy the Show’s well-known wood chopping competitions.
Blackbutt axeman Mitch Argent fell just short of winning the 375mm Underhand Queensland Title for the third year in a row.
Argent is one of eight athletes currently competing in the Stihl Timbersports series for the Australian Champion title, which will see the winner go on to compete in the world championships in Stuttgart, Germany, at the end of the year for the World Champion title.
Argent placed fifth in this competition last year, but hopes to improve on this result in 2016.
Show visitors also enjoyed a big sideshow alley, fashion parade, precision driving display by Isuzu’s Team D-Max, fireworks and a program of evening entertainment.
Show Society officials said they were delighted with the turnout, and equally happy with the weather.
“I remember about 10 years ago when the weather was just about freezing on Show day,” Chief Cattle Steward Glen Argent said.
“But you really couldn’t have asked for a better day this year.
“It’s just about perfect.”
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A fantastic show. Very well presented all round. Great fireworks. Looking forward to next year !!