STRONG competition and a healthy local rivalry ensured an intense competition for the 2015 Heifer Cup held in Bridgetown and Boyup Brook last week.
Bridgetown Richfeeds and Rural Supplies won the sought after Heifer Shield, taking it from Boyup Brook Farm Supplies, who were the inaugural winners in 2014.
The Heifer Cup was won by Bridgetown Farmers Alison and Ric Wheatley from Aldervale Farm in Winnejup, who took the prize from 2014 defending champions Boyup Brook farmers Aird & Co.
The competition is organised so that farmers from both communities get together for a day out while being able to network and learn from each other.
Rick Evans from Bridgetown Richfeeds and Rural Supplies said that in conjunction with Boyup Brook Farm Supplies, they decided to hold a competition between local farmers while ensuring a fun day out.
"We wanted to do something for our local beef producers and came up with the idea of the Heifer Cup," Evans said. "We thought that by organising a competition it would give farmers an opportunity to network with other farmers out of their own district.
"We don't have cattle or sheep sales in our yards anymore, so unless our farmers go to a fire, there is not a lot of opportunity to catch up these days.
"We select five farmers from Bridgetown and five from Boyup Brook, including the defending champion who is invited back to defend their title."
"The competition is also a fundraising event, with the entry fee being donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A total of $1250 was raised this year for the RFDS.
"It is a healthy rivalry and it is great to see that the Shield is now back in Bridgetown where it rightfully belongs!"
David Lane from Boyup Brook Farm Supplies said it was a great competition and he was not overly concerned about the Shield going to Bridgetown.
"We will easily get it back next year," Lane said. "We thought we'd let Bridgetown get it this year as we didn't want to be too greedy!
"It is a great day out and an opportunity for producers to get out onto other farmers properties, so as to see what they are doing and to spend time with people they wouldn't usually get to see very often.
"Judges Bill Kessell and Alex Williams decided this year who the Heifer Cup was awarded to and all the attendees on the day filled in a score sheet to determine the Heifer Shield winner.
"I would like to acknowledge local farmers Rob and Mick Introvigne, who kindly allow us to meet at their property and finish up there for presentations and celebrations. They both also provide a lot of input and expertise towards the event and on the day.
"I would also like to acknowledge all of the sponsors for helping to ensure such a fantastic day out for all involved."
Warwick Peatling from CRT State Support Office said it was a challenging competition for the producers and everyone enjoyed themselves.
"The judges are looking for growth for age, confirmation, style, correctness, temperament, femininity and overall evenness of the group. It really is a great learning opportunity for all involved," Peatling said.
"It was great to sit around on the bus and for everyone to have an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and mates, while sharing tips on how to breed the best heifers."