Young judge taken under expert’s wing
❝I try to point out the things that she, as a young judge, might not be paying attention to. — Tammie Robinson
THIRTEEN-year-old Chloe Davey was in a prime spot for her first visit to the Brisbane Ekka.
Not only was the Emerald girl judging the droughtmaster classes but she had 2018 Royal Queensland Beef judge Tammie Robinson as her mentor.
Tammie kept a close eye on the teen, gave her plenty of advice and often – quite literally – gave her a gentle pat on the back when she had done a good job.
This was the case the first time the youth bravely stepped up to the microphone to address the crowd and make comments on the place getters.
“I have been competing at young judges competitions since I was Chloe’s age,” Tammie said.
“When we go through (the cattle) we are talking about shapes and angles, looking at the hindquarter development.
“I try to point out the things that she, as a young judge, might not be paying attention to.”
While Chloe isn’t new to judging cattle, growing up on Lonemark CD Droughtmasters, it was her first time at Queensland’s Royal Show.
The experience was invaluable.
“Tammie taught me about their walking ability, she said if bulls can’t walk a certain amount of metres, then they can’t service a cow,” she said.
It was Tammie’s first time judging at the Ekka herself, and she said the quality of cattle was outstanding.
“I have watched the droughty judging in the past because it’s a major breed here at the Ekka,” she said.
“It’s a prestige job and I am very grateful to be here.”
For Tammie, who is from Glenheart Brangus Stud at Toogoolawah, picking a winner sometimes happened within a second and other times it took much longer.
“For some of them, as soon as they walk in you think ‘yep, 100 per cent’ and that’s because they are eyecatching. But then there might be a couple that catch your eye. So that’s when you have to go through and weigh up the attributes.”