A superb line up of Charolais graced the judging ring at the Royal Melbourne show with Mrs Nicole Nicholls and Associate Josh Phillips adjudicating. Cattle from three states paraded and four studs won the four major awards. John and Gail Weeks exhibited Warilla Perfection (P) to win the baby heifer class, and junior and grand champion female. This heifer exhibited tremendous growth and muscle in a structurally correct frame. Parading at only 11 months Perfection had volume and depth to burn. Mrs Nicholls said whilst females need to be feminine and functional they still need grunt. Reserve junior champion heifer was Kenmere Kristina P44E sired by DSK PGRM Kappa K25E. In the senior females a seven and a half year old female took the senior championship. Kenmere Navarro H64E parading with a cracking bull calf at foot impressed the judge with her sound traits adding to her longevity. Reserve senior champion female was Rangan Estella N30. Eight young calves paraded in the first junior bull class with Rangan Percy catching the judges eye. Second in this class was another Rangan exhibit Rangan Redemption P119. Percy P180 sired by Palgrove Luigi was later awarded the junior champion sash for his overall balance and muscle development.
Reserve Junior champion bull came from the 18 to 20 months class with Kenmere Pompeii (P) taking the honours. Senior champion bull Waterford Neon Lights N35E (P) went on to be awarded the grand champion bull. Sired by Palgrove Hermes (P) this 23 month old bull weighed in at 1120kg, EMA 130cm2 and a fat scan of 11/9mm. The judge commented “the bull is an outstanding exhibit. He’s got muscle, he’s got length he’s got strength, It’s right across his top, right down his hind and he handles his feet and legs really well”. Reserve Senior champion bull was Kenmere Newsprint (P). Newsprint is a paternal half brother to the junior champion bull. Mrs Nicholls awarded the Supreme Exhibit to Waterford Neon Lights N35E (P) saying “he is an outstanding exhibit with a nice front end, great neck extension, topline and spring of rib”. This bull went on to win the Interbreed Senior Bull Award. Kenmere won the Interbreed Breeders Group.
