CPC recently hosted its annual station challenge at Daly Waters with many of teams travelling from the company’s Queensland and Western Australian stations to join their NT colleagues.

Over two days teams were given many learning opportunities and competed in events such as the colt challenge, bull ride, calf scruff, cattle judging, iron man, iron woman, ‘Ringers got talent’, horse versus motor bike barrel racing, stations innovations, saddled and bare back cut out, and the highly contested cooks competition for best savory and sweet smokos, savory condiment, sweet sauce and preserve, jerky and smoked meats.

The colt challenge sees CPC ringers take a young horse and develop it and themselves over a year. The ringer and horse need to work together for wet and dry work challenges, camp drafting and shoeing. There is plenty of training and assistance and by the end of the program the ringers and the horses have some much experience that stays with them for life.

This year’s overall winning station was Bunda Station from the NT, followed by Dungowan and Newcastle Waters Stations also from the NT.

The overall highest point scoring individual was Amy Crampton from Dungowan Station NT. The Ronnie Wall memorial award went to Maitie Webb from Carlton Hill Station.

To see a full list of winners and placegetters in all events click here

It is also interesting to note that the winning Jerky this year was not beef but actually goat Jerky from Dungowan station. And it’s not the first time beef has been bested by another species in the competition, with ‘Desert Wagyu’ (camel) also a previous Jerky winner.

“The challenge is a great opportunity for our teams to come together to learn from each other and have some fun,” CPC CEO Troy Setter said.

“It is also a great way to meet people from other stations and for ringers, head stockman, cooks, machinery operators, some of the Brisbane office and managers to get to know each other and talk about opportunities to transfer between stations.

“We could not of completed this event with out the great support from our team members who stayed at home to keep the business running, our sponsors and volunteers who give their time to help teach our teams and judge the competitions.”