BANJO Empress Alabama is demanding the regal treatment from her owners Belinda Emery and Matt Ross following her win at the Royal Easter Show in the category of Junior Champion Shorthorn Heifer.

Having won the all breeds junior champion category at Guyra and Inverell Agricultural Shows, the Delungra heifer was well qualified to take her place in the Sydney shorthorn feature against offerings from more than 15 studs from across Australia.

"They said it was the best line-up of cattle they'd seen for 15 years at the Royal," Belinda said.

Heifers are judged on mobility, structure, length and above all, femininity, a trait which often indicates the level of expected fertility.

"They said our little heifer had a strong top line and a good length, which is important because that's where the weight is," she said.

Alabama comes from the Yim Kin stud, which has only really been operational since January.

"It's great recognition that we have top-quality animals, even though we are just a small stud starting out," Belinda said.

She said facilities at Olympic Park during the Royal Easter Show were "exceptional" .

"The show was absolutely incredible," Belinda said. "The shedding was enormous and very well set up.

"They say if you go once you get the bug. There was a lot for us to go through before we got there, but it was definitely well worth it."

She said winning at "the Royal" was a special honour given the tradition that surrounds the show, which is among the biggest in the southern hemisphere.

Alabama was led by handler Casey Bagnell with help from Rebecca Faint.

© 2007 Inverell Times

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