Top 3 Teams in the 2024 Livestock Handling Cup.

THE 7th annual Livestock Handling Cup held at Sandfire Roadhouse on 6-7th September is now the biggest event of its kind, with 20 teams from across the Pilbara and Kimberley region participating and almost 120 spectators, sponsors and competitors attending over the two days to share, learn and showcase their skills and knowledge in low-stress stock handling.

Hosted by the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association, CEO Bron Christensen said the Livestock Handling Cup builds the capacity and skills of WA’s stockmen and women and was key to helping young people build a career in agriculture and operate with best practice animal welfare standards.

“The Cup is a two-day event, with the first day featuring speakers, workshops and demonstrations on topics such as animal welfare and nutrition, genetics, a working dog demonstration, leadership styles and concurrent workshops focussing on team building and low stress techniques. The second day is the Cup, where teams of three are tasked with moving a small group of cattle through their paces over a designated course within a timeframe, as well as a theoretical component with a multiple choice quiz and team questions throughout the day,” said Ms Christensen.

The Livestock Handling Cup brings teams from a broad range of Northern WA Pastoral operations together in a competitive and continuous improvement environment. This year’s judges included well respected industry leaders, Joni Hall, Beth Shafer, Russell Cooke and Peter Camp.

“The judges are looking for clear use of settling and de-stressing techniques, understanding and reacting to flight zones and a good attitude and care to team, facilities and cattle. It was incredible to watch the teams work and care for their cattle, and each other so well” said Ms Christensen.

“These young stock crew are the future of Australian agriculture, and they will be responsible for ensuring that our industry continues to operate and evolve with best practice animal welfare as a priority,” said Ms Christensen.

2024 Livestock Handling Cup Top 5 teams

1st Fossil Downs – Emma Costello, Harry Miller, Harry Ryan

L-R: 2022 Livestock Handling Cup Champion Team from Fossil Downs Station Harry Ryan, Emma Costello, Harry Miller.

2^nd Liveringa Station 1 – Angus Pearce, Georgia Vermey, Kimberly De Graaf

Liveringa Station 1 – Angus Pearce, Georgia Vermey, Kimberly De Graaf

3^rd Liveringa Station 2 – Shane Arnold, Georgia Henderson, Isabella Allen

Liveringa Station 2 – Georgia Henderson, Isabella Allen, Shane Arnold

Highly Commended: Myroodah Station – Allen Anderson, Cheyden Dolby, Ely Wallace

Encouragement Award: Roebuck Station – Josh Wilson, Gussie Thompson, Tyrell Merrit

The Kachana Station ‘Judges Choice’ award was presented to Darcie Ingram from Kalyeeda Station.