The 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show kicked off this Easter weekend, with the historic Elders Royal Beef Cattle Show being the marquee livestock event for the first week, drawing a large crowd.
The Elders NSW Stud Stock team had a busy long weekend, with plenty of key Elders stud clients being involved with the judging, preparing and showing of beef cattle across all breeds and age groups. As naming rights sponsor, Elders NSW presented the Hordern Trophy for the Supreme Beef Breed, which was this year taken out by the Angus breed. Pine Creek Angus (PC Angus) delivered an impressive bull, cow and calf as a team.
Harry Waters, winner of the National Championship, and Justin Oakenfull, runner up in the NSW competition.
On Thursday, Elders Gundagai’s Harry Waters took out the National Championship of the ALPA Young Auctioneering competition. This caps off a fantastic two years at the Royal Easter Show for Harry, who last year took out the ALPA NSW Young Auctioneer Final. Joining Harry in the national final was Harry Cozens (Elders Albury/Wodonga), Nathan McCarthy (Elders Lucindale) and Pearce Watling (Elders Bunbury). Harry has been given the opportunity to travel to the Calgary Stampede later in the year to represent Australia.
In the NSW State ALPA Final, Elders Inverell’s Justin Oakenfull came in as runner-up, an amazing effort. Justin was joined in the competition by Jesse Gauci (Elders Bathurst) and Matthew Savins (Elders Scone).
A major highlight was Elders NSW Stud Stock Sales Support Officer Florance McGufficke capping off a great week by winning the 2023 NSW Young Woman of the Year.
This competition raises awareness of the contribution of rural NSW women to local communities. Contestants are put through their paces, with Florance explaining she prepared for the competition by ensuring she was across current affairs in a variety of industries relating to agriculture, rural Australia and local communities. She also worked alongside mentors to prepare in areas of public speaking, communication and self presentation.
During the week of the Show, the women partake in professional development and meet with a variety of stakeholders, including stewards, exhibitors and councillors, and even the Governor of NSW.
Taking out the top spot is a testament to Florance’s hard work and dedication to rural Australia and agriculture, and is not something Florance has taken for granted.
“It’s been amazing to be here and to be part of this movement of young women in agriculture,” she said.
“I am excited for what the future holds for me and all the amazing women I met this week.
Florance McGufficke (R), winner of the NSW Young Show Woman of the Year, alongside Paul Jameson, Elders NSW Stud Stock Manager.
“I hope to continue on this journey to unify and support each other to be able to give back to our communities and rural and regional Australia.”
Elders NSW Stud Stock Manager Paul Jameson said that the event has been successful for the Elders team.
“The Show gives us tremendous exposure to an audience that includes all stakeholders and clients in the beef industry.”
“Harry and Florance taking out these awards is a very clear demonstration of the calibre of young talent we have in the Elders organisation.”
Meet the team
