Strong entries in all competition categories and an increase in  pavilion displays has delighted organisers of the 2024 Baradine Show 

The annual show got underway at the Baradine showgrounds on Saturday 16 March with a large crowd streaming through the gate to find out what was on offer.

All the usual bells and whistles were on display; cattle, sheep and equestrian events, motorbike races and the increasingly popular speed shear competition, where some of the best shearer’s went head-to-head in an action-packed race against the clock.

“I think the motorbike races were excellent entertainment this year especially the new novelty race with men on foot and motorbikes,” said Baradine P.A & H president, Lauren Harris.

“The cooler temperature was ideal and we even had a few nice sprinkles of rain to dampen the ground a bit. We had a bit of everything in every category on display in the pavilions, which was wonderful. It was lovely to see the beautiful horticultural display of flowers and vegetables considering how dry it has been. 

“Sideshow ally was well supported; it is always popular and a great addition to the show. The free activities for the little children, including the sand play area were very popular; I think it is important that we provide some free options for kids.  

“Of course, the success of the show is a tribute to all the hard work done by our team of volunteers over the past twelve months and all the people who came along on the day.”

Speed shear announcer, Adrian Worrell said there was an excellent roll-up of entrants in the competition, including the return of last year’s champion, and some hot competition in the final ‘dash for cash’.  

Record holder

“Jordan Berryman took out the $1,200 prize in the open section and former New Zealand speed shear record holder, Stacy Te Huia took out the open dash for cash,” said Adrian. “Last year’s champion, Warwick McMaster did not have any luck in the final today, but we had a pretty good turnout with competitors throughout the region taking part.  

“The speed shear is always popular with the crowd and I could see a few retired shearers in the audience probably keen to get up and knock a bit of wool off some of the sheep!

“Everyone seems keen to return for next year’s competition and when you get this sort of calibre of competitors it makes for a really good event.”

Coonabarabran cattle judge, Kaitlyn Warner said that the quality of animals was outstanding.  

“There were more animals than I anticipated and we had a really good showing across all the breeds,” Ms Warner said. “The grand champion Devon bull was an outstanding animal and the champion was really feminine; smooth, wedge-shaped and big through the pelvis, which is what I like to see and she had a really nice heifer calf following her. 

“The overall competition was a testament to the quality of the breeders in our local area. There is a lot of promise in the local stud stock and I will be pleased to see them in future breeding programs.”

Curtis Barber from Dubbo said he was impressed with the entrants in the sheep section.  

“There have been some good sheep come through with plenty of industry traits such as muscle growth and good weight for age,” said Mr Barber. “I have judged here before and Baradine always gets a good number of quality sheep and the number of competitors is equal to other shows.  

“Some of the competitors will go onto the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Dubbo Sheep Show in May, so it will be interesting to see how they progress.”

Equestrian judges Lisa Moody, Madisen McGill and Mandy Eyles said there were some notable quality entrants in the competition. 

“Although numbers were down a little bit, the quality has been high and very good sportsmanship shown by the riders,” said Ms Eyles. “Its hats off to everyone for their support. It was great to see everyone having a go; it was a great day."