Bright future for santa stars
IF THERE was any doubt about the future of santa gertrudis cattle it was certainly cleared away at Morgan Park on Saturday.
This year's National Santa Gertrudis Junior Camp saw a record number of younger kids come to Warwick, and while overall numbers were down on 2014, organisers were thrilled with the show of support for the popular breed of cattle.
Promising young cattlemen and women were awarded for their hard work on Saturday, with one Warwick local bagging a prestigious honour.
Steven Maher was awarded the RJ Kleberg Memorial Scholarship by judges Jo and Shaun McGuigan.
Steven, who runs his own santa stud - Reham - said he was very proud of his win.
"I've been coming to the santa camp for quite a few years," he said.
"When I was younger my family had a few cross-bred cattle - but we've always been santa based."
As part of the scholarship, Steven will be a national ambassador for the breed, representing santa gertrudis cattle at events such as the Ekka.
The prestigious champion herdsperson title, which includes the grand prize of a santa gertrudis heifer donated by Ideal stud, was awarded to Kingaroy's Corey Evans.
"I've been showing cattle since I was eight and this is my fifth year coming to the camp," he said.
"We've got a few santas at home. My parents have a stud called Jen-Daview."
