WHAT A BIG SHOW IT WAS The Sydney Royal Easter Show was a 12 day spectacular

J U LY 2 0 1 8 | V O L U M E 1 6 - 2

ON HOME TURF A grass roots look at the surface we play on

THE SCIENCE OF NATURE What happens when farmers join with scientists

MILKING THE SHOW Two sisters and a whole lot of cows

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“And the people cheered and shouted as we settled down to ride.”

ANDREW BARTON (BANJO) PATERSON (1864 - 1941)

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Features15 It was just a great big Show 2018 SRES wrap-up 20 Clap your hands A collection of 2018 SRES results26 On home turf The grass roots beneath our feet 30 The science of nature Hybrid vegetables going to market 34 Picture perfect The journalist & the photographer 36 Milking the Show The story behind the working dairy

Regulars6 President’s letter 7 The vine12 Chief Executive’s column 13 Flavours44 What’s on at Sydney Showground

ContentsJ U LY 2 0 1 8 | V O L U M E 1 6 - 2

Publisher: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW ISSN: 1836-6724. 1 Showground Road, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 T: 02 9704 1111Email: editor@rasnsw.com.auWebsite: www.rasnsw.com.auEditor: Meredyth Hayes Bell Contributors: Alison Dance, Jane Hammond, Vicki Hastrich, Katrina NashPhotography: Steve Christo, Amanda Herringe, Stephen Mowbray, Toby Peet, Paul Robbins Interns: Francesca Cooper, Talia Davis, Andrew Demetriou, Riley Durkin, Caitlyn Hurley, Katrina Ilardo, Jordan WilkinsDesign and Art Direction: Pete BunceCover image: Amber, 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show by Paul Robbins, Monde Photo Print: Brightset PrintingEnvironment Management. RAS Times is printed on PEFC certified paper. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. PEFC is an international certification programme promoting responsible forestry which assures consumers that a forest product can be tracked from a certified, managed forest through all steps of processing and production in the supply chain by a Chain of Custody process.

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76 President’s letter

Rising to the occasion at the 12th Annual President’s Medal Awards dinner, Michael Klausen, Head Baker and Co-Founder of Brasserie Bread, spoke of his passion for single origin bread and the glorious wheat fields of the Flinders Ranges. The story starts with the soil and the little golden nuggets of wheat Brasserie Bread seeks out. They are the source of flavour, aided by the unpolluted air and dry sunny weather.

If meat producers take us from paddock to plate, the team at Brasserie

Bread follow a very strict field to flour or ground to grain philosophy.

“The day my life changed was when I sat down and had a chat with a farmer,” explained Klausen.

With a committed attitude to traceability and a willingness to share the journey with the consumer, when you choose a loaf of Brasserie Bread, the baker knows exactly what paddock it came from and is happy to share the land to loaf story.

Picking up the President’s Medal Award, one of the most unique and

prestigious food and beverage awards in Australia - for their Flinders Ranges Sprouted Wheat Loaf - Brasserie Bread’s connection with the farmers and the single origin philosophy of their bread has reaped the benefits.

Named as the best of the best, from the 5,308 produce entries in Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy, Fine Food, Chocolate and Beer & Cider competitions, Brasserie Bread also collected the DPI Innovation Award for their outstanding innovative achievements.

The vineN E W S | U P D AT E S | E V E N T S

The 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show has come and gone, leaving behind memories and marvellous stories from competitions

across the entire Showground. There was some trepidation concerning a shortened Show and a lack of school holidays, but the quality of our competitions, displays and entertainment stood us in good stead, particularly over the Easter weekend. In fact, the Sydney Mail, in 1893, declared ‘Easter in Sydney without its agricultural show would be the play with the chief scene left out’, a sentiment that still holds true amongst the people of New South Wales.

Along with the 780,000 visitors to the Show, we welcomed the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP Prime Minister of Australia. Mr Turnbull spent some time in the brand-new Farm of the Future and remarked that although agriculture is an old industry, it is one of the most technologically advanced in Australia. After a visit through the Farm of the Future, many Showgoers also discovered the incredible technology and innovations that have brought our industry into the next century and firmly established farming as an

exciting business to be in.It was a pleasure to

welcome The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of NSW this year, and to once again host The Hon. Niall Blair, Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Water, and Trade and Industry.

The Show is a wonderful experience and education for many with regards to agriculture. There is something to see and learn in every pavilion. It is a ritual of the Show that children will go into the Farmyard Nursery for their introduction to lambs and goats and chickens, just as it is a given that they will learn how a

cow is milked or how to budget and bargain in order to get the showbag they have their eye on.

However, it is also a learning experience for producers, breeders, international visitors and all of us involved with putting on the Show. This year we ran seminars for producers interested in exporting to China and for those wanting to learn more about funding opportunities. We discovered how precious citizenship is as we welcomed 196 new Australians taking their oath in The Amphitheatre on a glorious Tuesday morning. We learnt that the spirit of helping out is still strong, with 320 Volunteers giving their time, Showgoers lining up at the Big Bush BBQ to support regional Show Societies, and competitors always willing to help each other when needed.

Thank you to each and every RAS Member who came along to the Show, and thank you to all RAS Councillors, staff and volunteers for their commitment to the largest annual ticketed event held in Australia. We do it all again from 12-23 April 2019.

ROBERT RYAN OAM, President, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

COUNCIL NEWS

The RAS is pleased to welcome James Bell, elected to Council in February this year. James was nominated by the Horse Committee for his exceptional horse knowledge and long-standing experience as a horse competitor and RAS Steward. James has Bachelor of Arts and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism; he has worked as a journalist with regional press and is Principal of Farleigh Stud and a Grazier and Director of Farleigh Armidale Pty Ltd. We look forward to the contribution and dedication he will bring to the RAS and appreciate his willingness to actively participate in the role of Councillor and Committee Member.

EARLY REMINDER

Membership of the RAS contributes to the future of Australia by helping to build and nurture strong rural communities. Membership provides tangible benefits for all, the RAS is a Member-based not-for-profit corporation and we invest the revenue we earn back into supporting our core objective of the pursuit of sustainable Australian agriculture and award-quality produce.

The benefits for Members include unlimited entry to our iconic event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show with access to Members only facilities, admission to sporting events at our boutique stadium, Spotless Stadium, reciprocal rights with ANZ Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Australian Turf Club, along with accommodation discounts, exclusive travel deals and more.

Membership renewals are due at the end of September. Please contact our Membership Office on (02) 9704 1144 or membership@rasnsw.com.au

A baker’s delight

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RED & GREEN, PROUDLY SEEN

Auctions speak louder than words

The Green Army welcomed a splash of red this year, proudly wearing the iconic 7News logo, as they helped more than 780,000 Showgoers discover the best and brightest things on offer at the 2018

Sydney Royal Easter Show. This year we welcomed 7News as supporters of the Volunteers and it certainly helped having 7 News weatherman David Brown on hand to deliver blue skies and sunshine. Over the 12 days of the

When your great grandfather was the Wauchope Show Society Ring Master, and your grandmother is Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary Hall, it is predetermined you will be the fourth generation in your family involved with the Show movement. Nikki Gibbs, a Veterinary Nurse from Wauchope, was the fifty-second young woman to be crowned Wauchope Showgirl, but the first one to go on to take out the title of The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl.

“I just saw myself as a girl from Wauchope who was fortunate enough to get through to Sydney, so I was just taking on that experience, so the next 12 months are going to be a whirlwind,” Nikki said after receiving her winner’s sash.

“The country show movement has shaped me to be the woman I am.”

Timothy Green delivered a passionate address to a captivated audience, arguing in favour of agriculture as a compulsory subject on school curriculums. The 2018 RAS Rural Achiever Award Public Speaking Showcase presented both sides of the argument, showing the best of the eight young men and women competing for the privilege of representing NSW at the National Rural Ambassador Awards.

During a whirlwind week of functions and behind-the-scenes experiences at the Show Timothy, a technical officer with the DPI, took out the title of 2018 Rural Achiever. His strong connection with his local community and desire to support young men and women in rural areas guarantees the young man from Nimmitabel, will make the most of every opportunity to represent NSW.

Securing first place in the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Cootamundra agent Sam Gemmell was lost for words. With four years at Elders under his belt, Sam believes the experience and confidence boost can only help his career. Judges assessed eighteen young auctioneers on their diction, values, voice and manner as well as their presence and

unique style. Sam’s prize includes the Prosser Cup, $1000 prize money, an auctioneer’s gavel and a two-week trip to Calgary, Canada to represent Australia at the International Auctioneers Competition. Sam will certainly recover his gift of the gab when he defends our reputation for sending winners across – the Rookie of the Year Title at Calgary in both 2016 and 2017 went to the winners of the ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT…

The vine The vine

Smooth as velvet The Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show will flow through Sydney Showground on September 1 & 2, coinciding with the Smooth Festival of Chocolate. For the first time, judging will take place under the careful eye of chocoholics, who can then satisfy their cravings from an abundance of stalls. This is one sweet weekend you won’t want to miss. For more information, visit www.smoothfestivalofchocolate.com.au

Cheers for steers Twenty years ago the very first Victor Chang Charity Steer Auction took place at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Every year since, Schute Bell Badgery Lumby has sourced a calf and donated it for auction. The calf is subsequently raised, fed, nurtured and proudly paraded by students from the Murrumburrah High School Farm Club. Breaking all records this year, the 620kg Poll Hereford, affectionately known as Dub, was sold to the highest bidder for a record-breaking $66,000. Making the winning bid, for the tenth year in a row, Paul Ferry made sure the students and supporters had a day to remember! The generosity of all involved in the annual Charity Steer Auction has raised over $350,000 for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute over twenty years.

Show, 320 Volunteers donated 25,600 hours of their time at information booths, pavilions and around the grounds, even giving 7 News presenter Mark Fergusson a few tips on must-see displays.

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Established in 2009, the RAS Charity Brunch Rural Grant awards funds to grass roots projects in country NSW. Projects are chosen according to the positive social and

economic impacts they have on their broader community. This year the Charity Brunch Committee received an incredible array of applications and so decided to present two worthy

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The boys go westStriding into The Children’s Hospital, Westmead with cowboy hats atop their heads and belt buckles shining, stars of the Sydney Royal Rodeo met some of the bravest kids in town. The showbags and other gifts took second place to the chance for a photo with a real life cowboy! It is true what they say, not all heroes wear capes, some wear check shirts and cowboy boots.

A helping hand

The vine

Taking full advantage of the influx of country visitors, the RAS Foundation (RASF) hosted a Rural Scholars & Community Futures Grant Morning Tea during the Sydney Royal Easter Show, giving recipients the opportunity to meet donors and share their stories.

The RASF awarded 53 Rural Scholarships this year, with full-time students receiving $6000 and part-time students receiving $3000. Scholarship recipients include aspiring doctors, wool classers, nurses and agronomists. Established eight years ago, the Rural Scholarship program assists students who possess a passion for rural issues and a commitment to shaping the future of rural and regional NSW. The scholarships are open to students of any age and embrace a diverse range of tertiary or vocational education and training studies. Applications for 2019 scholarships will open 1 July and close 31 August 2018.

Each year a large-scale kitchen is built to host cooking demonstrations for The Australian Women’s Weekly Theatre Kitchen in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. After the Show, the RASF Community Kitchen Grant awards the kitchen appliances and whitegoods - donated by

Euromaid - along with a generous $10,000 cash grant, to a rural NSW community to reinvigorate a community facility. This year, in addition to the whitegoods and appliances the RAS of NSW donated the kitchen cabinetry as well. Coolah Showground & Recreation Reserve Trust in Central West NSW was the incredibly worthy winner; Tooraweenah Memorial Hall was the runner-up with Hay and Picton Showgrounds also receiving cabinetry and whitegoods in third and fourth places.

Sal Edwards, the Community Development Coordinator at the Coolah Showground was on hand for the presentation and explained how significant the prize is.

“Winning this grant is a huge boost, the catering at the many events held at the Showground are valuable fundraising opportunities for numerous community groups,” she said.

“Our new kitchen will definitely be put to good use. We can’t thank Euromaid and the RAS Foundation enough.”

The RASF launched a showbag at the 2014 Sydney Royal Easter Show, aptly named That New Ag Bag. The showbag was a celebration of Australian agriculture and produce, full of goods donated by

Australian companies. That New Ag Bag soon became the must-have Ag Bag with all proceeds distributed via the RASF Community Futures Grant Program. Donations from Australian companies including SunRice, Kurrajong Kitchen and the Monster Health Food company, to name a few, ensured the 64,800 items packed into the bags continued to be fantastic Australian produce.

This year six young leaders from regional and rural NSW accepted a share of $98,000 from the Community Futures Grant Program to help fund a community project in their local area. Elizabeth Munn from Leeton, Claire Johnson from Crookwell, Megan Coyle from Walbundrie, Rob Witts from Gunnedah, Katrina Thomas from Condobolin and Naomi Kauter from Gresford each received up to $25,000 for projects as diverse as building a Young Farmer’s Challenge trailer for Leeton Show Society, a new cattle shed for the Upper Lachlan Shire cattle community, and even a hot house and aquaponics set up for Condobolin High School.

To find out more about the RASF or to make a donation, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation

RAS FOUNDATION NEWS

organisations with funding. Riding for the Disabled turns dreams

into achievements, providing people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy activities connected with horses. The Grant was awarded to the Upper Hunter RDA, an incredible organisation that has serviced Muswellbrook and surrounding areas since 1991. The Grant will help with the purchase of a 100,000-litre water tank and suitable firefighter pump for the Upper Hunter RDA Centre dressage arena.

We hEAR You is a project managed by Quota International of Parkes, providing Redcat Sound Systems for classrooms. These enable all students in the classroom to hear every word being said. If students cannot hear the teacher, they cannot learn, and regional towns certainly deserve classrooms as well equipped as those in the city. The Grant awarded to We hEAR You will deliver four additional sound systems into classrooms, prioritising those with children with known hearing loss.

The Charity Brunch, held during the Sydney Royal Easter Show, has raised over $195,000 so far and helped the infrastructure and education needs in communities in Baradine, Inverell, Young, Bobadah, Condobolin, Binalong, Kempsey, Armidale and now Parkes and the Upper Hunter. For more information, or to lodge an application, visit www.eastershow.com.au/about-us/charity-brunch

Freshfood Corporation Pty Ltd, The House of Robert Timms – FairtradeCONCORD, NSW

CHAMPION PICCOLO BLEND, SYDNEY ROYAL FINE FOOD SHOWA medium to full-bodied coffee with a hint of fruit, chocolate and a roasted almond aftertaste. The perfect blend to help you through the day. VISIT roberttimms.com.au

Flavours

Meredith Dairy, Marinated Feta Sheep & Goat Blend MEREDITH, VIC

CHAMPION SHEEP, GOAT, BUFFALO AND CAMEL MILK PRODUCT, SYDNEY ROYAL CHEESE & DAIRY SHOW An incredibly addictive soft, spreadable cheese, marinated in blended Australian Extra Virgin Olive oil, Garlic and Herbs. VISIT meredithdairy.com

Staple Bread & Necessities, Staple Classic Sourdough QUEENSCLIFF, NSW

CHAMPION BREAD, SYDNEY ROYAL FINE FOOD SHOWAn earthy, nutty sourdough made using wild natural sourdough fermentation (no commercial yeast) and with sustainable organic and wholegrain flours. VISIT staplebakery.com

12 Chief Executive’s column

Tathra Oysters, Nelson Lake – Premium Grade TATHRA, NSW

CHAMPION SYDNEY ROCK OYSTER, SYDNEY ROYAL SPRING FINE FOOD SHOWTathra Oysters are grown in a pristine wilderness estuary. The oysters are grown slowly, allowing for a sweet, rich, creamy, full-bodied oyster to develop that lasts and lasts on the palate.VISIT tathraoysters.com.au

Bega Cheese Ltd, Bega Heritage VintageBEGA, NSW

CHAMPION CHEDDAR CHEESE, SYDNEY ROYAL CHEESE & DAIRY SHOW Matured longer for greater flavour, this cheese has a crumblier texture and is best served at room temperature. Available only at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, Bega.VISIT begacheese.com.au

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Brock Gilmour, Chief Executive, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

It has been a remarkable first half of the year, from a successful Sydney Royal Easter Show to the GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest and Supanova. We have shown

the diversity of our venue, with pavilions hosting everything from District Exhibits and wool auctions to craft brewers and costume-play wrestling. The second half of the year is incredibly busy, with the Sydney Showground event calendar the strongest it has ever been. Over the next few months, we will play host to a variety of events including two travel expos, a wedding expo, caravan and camping expo, a national dance competition, the X Games and the Sydney Irish Festival.

It is this diversity that sees us continue to tackle the threat of competing venue spaces head-on and succeed; scoring repeat business and drawing exhibitors back to Sydney Showground.

The success of the Sydney Royal Easter Show enhanced our reputation for excellence. The new 12-day format worked well, the final crowd numbers exceeded expectations of a non-school holiday Show. The Easter weekend gave us a boost and cemented our spot as the first choice outing in Sydney on the long weekend. The new

attractions at the Show no doubt helped pull in visitors, with one of the first to take a walk through our Farm of the Future being none other than the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP Prime Minister of Australia.

Recent conservative estimates have put our economic impact to the NSW economy at about $620 million through activities hosted at Sydney Showground. It is with this in mind that we are producing a Final Business Case to present to the Government, seeking investment in regards to improving our site. Our Master Plan aims to rejuvenate existing facilities and increase

activity and visitation and ensure Sydney Showground has long-term resilience. Greater opportunities for us in terms of business, sports and other events can increase our annual contribution to the NSW economy, regional communities and agriculture throughout NSW.

Support for our Corporate Membership is continuing to grow, with time left to take advantage of the access Members receive to GWS Giants games at Spotless Stadium. As I write this, the Giants have three more games to play at home so the opportunity to enjoy free General Admission entry is still available. Corporate Membership comes with ten transferable cards, amongst other benefits, for use at Giants and Sydney Thunder home games and of course the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show. All RAS Membership renewals will fall due at the end of September and it is worth making note of this so that you don’t lose any of the benefits of Membership.

GRAPE, GRAIN & GRAZE 11 AugustThe KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show is one of Australia’s most prestigious annual wine shows, judging on variants including complexity, fruitiness and balance. At the conclusion of judging the doors open for the Grape, Grain & Graze Festival – an afternoon of wine, beer & cider, fine food and live music. Wine enthusiasts can taste incredible wines from the 2,200+ entries, enjoy products from the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show and satisfy food cravings at grazing stations with Sydney Royal medal-winning food.RAS Member Prices: Single Ticket $80 + bf, Double Pass $150 + bf

X GAMES 19-21 OctoberFor the first time in 20 years, the world’s number 1 action sports festival, X Games is coming to Sydney, exclusively to Sydney Showground. The world’s biggest extreme sports stars will compete for X Games Gold in Skateboarding, BMX and Moto X, simultaneously displaying the diversity of our venue to a global audience. Attendees can enjoy the full X Fest experience with live music, art installations and a festival village alongside all the sports action over three jam-packed days. This is an opportunity to show a massive international audience how we do Big Experiences!

2018 MAGNERS SYDNEY IRISH FESTIVAL 10-11 November A two-day celebration of all things the Irish culture has to offer: sport, food, drink, dance and music is turning Sydney Showground green.Spotless Stadium will be transformed for a world-class standard Hurling game for the Wild Geese Trophy, with the Galway Tribesmen taking on the reigning Allianz League Champions, Kilkenny, in this historic match. Attendess can enjoy traditional Irish dance performances, comedy, food outlets, international music acts, stalls and bars.

Field of champions When only the best will do, indulge in one of these Champions from the Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce, Wine or Fine Food Shows.

15Easter Show

WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

2018 SHOW REPORT

Relive all the action and remember all the wonder of this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.

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were weaving their way across the grounds. Did someone say ‘showbags’? We had

368 of them, spilling out of the Showbag Pavilion and along the various avenues. Lipsticks and lollypops, sweatbands and slime, chocolate and cheerleader pom poms, caps and capes to construction sets and zombie chews.

From spinning teacups and flying swings to a crazy roller coaster and a mega drop, we had enough carnival rides to satisfy toddlers to thrill seekers. If it spun or swung or shook you all over, it was at the Show. There were fifty different rides providing thousands of screams and shrieks and silly laughs.

All of this fun made people hungry, so we had more food varieties than you could poke a chip-on-a-stick at. From

For twelve days, Sydney Showground was home to 12,000 livestock including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, alpacas, chickens and goats. We welcomed in excess of

4500 dogs, cats, lizards, frogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and even mice amongst the 30,000 bees. Between the livestock and pets, 780,000 people spent on average eight hours each in pavilions, sampling award-winning produce, watching death-defying entertainment and taking photos with farmyard friends.

The circus came to town, bringing acrobats, elephants, trapeze artists, and all eyes in Sydney were on us. Sword swallowing, gymnastics on horseback, silk artists, marching bands and parades aplenty

Spanish-Thai fusion to Greek from a truck, fairy floss flowers, Mexican and mac-on-a-stick, donuts, German pretzels and pork knuckles, balls and burgers, gelato and gateaux, chicken strips, cheese toasties and hot chips, scones or corn or oysters and prawns. The brand-new Food Truck Feedlot served meals from wheels, and the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome satisfied sample-hungry Showgoers with tastes of teas, nougat and spicy seasonings amongst the fresh fruit and vegetables.

Show societies travelled from near and far for the most Australian of all fundraisers, the sausage sizzle. From Ardlethan to Walcha, the Big Bush BBQ was an old-fashioned, country-style lunch option for Show visitors. All profits made at the BBQ went straight back to each hosting society, proving the way to a Show’s heart is through its stomach. If you stopped by the BBQ and couldn’t resist the aroma, thank you on behalf of the following NSW Show Societies: Ardlethan, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Cootamundra, Dorrigo, Dubbo, Gresford, Gulargambone, Milton, Newcastle, Nowra, Picton, Queanbeyan, St Ives, Taree, Wagga Wagga and Walcha.

We took a step back in time and then a not so giant leap into the future. The fabulous fifties in the Heritage Pavilion invoked recollections and a continual chorus of ‘I remember that...’, grandparents reminisced about showbags and transport, whilst children refused to believe telephones had cords and memories could only be displayed in black & white.

Taking a look at what’s to come, the Farm of the Future revealed the innovations in technology and thinking that have Australian farms leading the way. From drones and robot technology to artificial intelligence and high-speed communication, the journey into our agricultural future was on display and captured the imagination of young and old farmers alike.’

We had 19,200 positional and medal results recorded amongst the thousands of entrants and exhibitors, handing out prizes for everything from Champion Soft Wheat in the District Exhibits to Best Beeswax in the National Honey Show, Grand Champion Medium Wool Merino Ram and Australian Lowline Grand Champion Bull. Even the commercial exhibitors got competitive, with the Best in Show awarded to the New South Wales Police Force for their consumer-friendly interactive display.  •

Easter Show

It was just a great big Show What happens when the largest annual ticketed event in Australia turns into the Greatest Easter Show Spectacular?

Legends, Show Champion and all our young achieversTo each award recipient, we say thank you, on behalf of every person involved with the RAS, and indeed the people of NSW as a whole.

Thank you for sustaining us, for promoting our competitions and our industries. Thank you for the hours, days, weeks and years you dedicate to us and your passion for what you do.

Thank you for your strong belief in a

particular field or breed or competition. DOUG CROWELL from Tamworth is a proud farmer who has spent 50 years volunteering with Central District in the District Exhibits Competition. SHANE READ from Queanbeyan started twenty years ago as an alpaca

exhibitor and now helps run the section each year. SELWYN WELLER from Nabiac is the 3rd generation of his family to devote time to the Show and always enjoys the camaraderie with his fellow cattle breeders. JODIE VAN DER VELDEN from the Blue Mountains is a passionate chocolatier who has gone from successful handcrafted chocolate exhibitor to respected Sydney Royal Chocolate Show Chair of Judges. LES BANKS from Liverpool has been participating at the Show for 50+ years and is the source of valued advice to all involved with the Domestic Animals competitions.

19Easter Show

BROCK GILMOUR, MURRAY WILTON, ROBERT RYAN OAM, PETER THORPE AND THE RAS SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW TEAM.

JULIANNE LEVER from Hornsby gives her time at the Show running masterclasses when she is not competing as a committed gourmet food exhibitor. TRACEY WOOD from Eugowra is a dedicated goat breeder and long-time exhibitor, developing her involvement from an initial herd of 10 Boer goats to a herd of 1000 head. JIM CALLINAN from Scone has been the voice of horse events for the past 35 years, entertaining and educating Showgoers about Campdraft, pony club and stockhorse events.KATHY KOUTSOUKIS from Ryde still remember the thrill of her first win as an orchid exhibitor and values her role as Horticulture Judge with the honour it deserves. JOHN ‘HAPPY’ GILL from The Rock has been a Show family member for 70 years, going from rodeo champion to the man who has introduced countless children to their first pony ride. CHRIS WHITE from the Central Coast

is a dedicated poultry man, spending the past 50 years in the Poultry Pavilion at every Show. ALISON VAN EYK from Walcha has been involved with the Show for many years, as a successful merino exhibitor and strong supporter of others within the sheep and fleece competitions. MARK WHITE from Seven Hills has been the Veterinarian in the Poultry Pavilion since the 1990s, taking incredible care of the health and welfare of 6000 birds.SAMANTHA CONNEW from Tasmania is a winemaker and wine rule breaker who generously gives back to the industry as the respected Chair of Judges for the Sydney Royal Wine Show. LINDSAY PARNELL from Tomerong began as a woodchop competitor and went on to become the stadium broadcaster, marking a successful involvement with the woodchop competition over 40 years.KIRSTY BLADES from Willoughby plays an important role bringing

together the RAS council with younger members of the organisation and has been an integral supporter of the Young Farmer Challenge and Youth in AG Day at the Show.

SHOW LEGENDBRUCE WHITE Decades of love and dedication to the bee and honey sector were sweetly rewarded with Bruce White OAM honoured as the 2018 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW "Show Legend" at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Mr White, from Castle Hill, spent 41 years providing services to the beekeeping industry as an Apiary Officer with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. He has worked with the RAS at the Sydney Royal Easter Show since 1966, passing on his knowledge and passion for honeybees to Showgoers and school students.

Mr White is a very familiar face, even if it is covered by his white protective uniform and face mesh to anyone who walks past his "Bee Zeebo" activation in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome at the Show each and every year.

He also volunteers his time to rural Country shows as a judge and runs workshops for beekeeping through a variety of different fields.

"I just do this because I am keen to help agriculture and particularly the RAS and the bee industry," Mr White said.

THE YOUTH MOVEMENTFor almost 30 years the RAS has run the RURAL ACHIEVERS program, recognising future leaders aged 20-29 who are striving to make an impact in their local community and rural Australia.

The 2018 award recipients were Tess Bailey, Forbes; Jock Brownhill, Spring Ridge; Hanna Darmody, Bungendore; Timothy Green, Wagga Wagga; Erika Heffer, Deniliquin; Joseph Murphy, Bribbaree; Meg Rice, Parkes and Thomas Taylor from Grenfell.

Over the next 12 months all participants will be provided with skills and opportunities including networking with rural leaders to become trailblazers in agriculture or their communities.

Of the eight awardees, Timothy Green, was nominated to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador Award.

SHOWGIRLSAn outstanding field of young women competed for the title of 2018 THE LAND SYDNEY ROYAL SHOWGIRL and the opportunity to act as an ambassador for rural NSW. With each displaying a genuine interest in, and knowledge of, rural NSW and their local communities it was an incredible group of women proudly representing their regions.

The finalists were Grace Allen, Forbes; Lainie Anderson, Castle Hill; Alana Black, Rydal; Maicie Close, Finley; Pollyanna Easey, Quirindi; Nikki Gibbs, Wauchope; Caitlin Herbert, Eugowra; Emily Jones, Henty; Kate Lumber, Moree; Kaela McRae, Casino; Jacqueline Myhill, Gresford; Keeley Pasfield, Queanbeyan; Geena Purcell, Wellington and Samantha Spark from Nowra.

After an intensive judging period, the title went to Nikki Gibbs, with Pollyanna Easey first runner-up and Grace Allen second runner up. •

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THE KEITH STUART-WRIGHT MEMORIAL ANNUAL TROPHY FOR THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR IN UNDER 20’S PERISHABLE COOKINGEmily Hoswell, Tongarra, NSW

CATCAT & KITTEN CARNIVALBEST IN SHOWApricity Lickety Split Chatandolls Canada, Kelanrowe Lapis, Tahnee Blackman, Rutherford, NSW

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP CAT SHOWBEST IN SHOWBajimbi Sophie Rose, B Edwards, Woolooware, NSW

CATTLEBEEFTHE HORDERN PERPETUAL TROPHY AngusMyanga Lady Louise L226, Beresford Family & Scott Myers, Moss Vale NSWPC Kodiak M117, Pine Creek Angus Stud Pty Ltd, Cowra, NSWTHE URQUHART PERPETUAL TROPHY

ARTS & CRAFTSTHE RAS ARTS COMMITTEE AWARD Layla Stanley, Scout, North Strathfield, NSW THE RAS ART PRIZEKasey Sealy, Sunlit Landscape, Berowra Heights, NSW POPULAR CHOICE AWARD FOR ART Noeline Millar, The Washpools near Scone, Norah Head, NSW THE WATT FAMILY PERPETUAL TROPHY & EPSON PRIZE FOR THE BEST PHOTOGRAPH IN SHOWSonja Breckenridge, Push Em Up, Glenbrook, NSW THE FRANCES BINNIE MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHYGlenn Davis, Australian Stock Saddle, Tamworth NSWTHE HEATHER GIBSON PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR IN NON PERISHABLE COOKING CLASSESBarbara Goldman, Normanhurst, NSW THE AUSTRALIAN GAS COOKING SCHOOL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR IN PERISHABLE COOKING CLASSES Leeanne Dyer, Ourimbah, NSW

Warragundi Minnesota, Warragundi Beef Company, Currabubula, NSWTHE RAS SUPREME BEEF INTERBREED HEIFER Kanimbla May M070, Kanimbla Livestock, Holbrook, NSWBREEDERS GROUP INTERBREEDKeddstock Pty Ltd, Surat, QLD

DAIRYSUPREME CHAMPION DAIRY FEMALE Kathleigh Gun Grace, Kathleigh Jerseys & B & J Gavenlock, Tallygaroopna, VicSUPREME JUNIOR CHAMPION DAIRY FEMALE Shirlinn Joel Melys 2, Brian & Vicki Wilson & Family, Tamworth, NSW SUPREME INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION DAIRY FEMALE Miami Verbatim Cowslip 4930, Philmar Dairy Company, Tocumwal, NSW

PUREBRED STEER & CARCASEGRAND CHAMPION STEER Wilworril Murdoc, St John’s College Dubbo, Dubbo East, NSW GRAND CHAMPION CARCASE Calrossy Jester, Calrossy Anglican School, Tamworth, NSW

Results

Clap your handsIf you're happy and you know it then your face will

surely show it... and it did for these 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show award-winners.

WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

23

GOATANGORABEST ANGORA GOAT IN SHOW West Wyalong High School, Willow Glen Rahmosteffanie, West Wyalong, NSW MOST SUCCESSFUL ANGORA GOAT EXHIBITOR Debbie Scattergood, Cullbookie, Bungendore, NSWGRAND CHAMPION MOHAIR FLEECEHelene Marie Ypma-Rivers, Rivers Fleece 2, Bega, NSW

BOERBEST BOER GOAT IN SHOW Pacifica Boer Goat Stud, Pacifica Shangaan, Eugowra, NSWMOST SUCCESSFUL STANDARD BOER GOAT EXHIBITOR Pacifica Boer Goat Stud, Pacifica Bailey, Eugowra, NSW

DAIRYBEST DAIRY GOAT IN SHOW James Parlevliet, Televar, Mudgee, NSWMOST SUCCESSFUL DAIRY GOAT EXHIBITOR Darrell Bishop, Osory, Mudgee NSW

HONEYMOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR IN HONEY CLASSES Norman Adrian Webb & John Keith Godwin, North Rocks, NSW BEST EXHIBIT IN SHOWNorman Adrian Webb & John Keith Godwin, North Rocks, NSWCHAMPION SCHOOL EXHIBIT Great Lakes College – Forster Campus, Forster, NSW

HORSERM WILLIAMS TROPHY SADDLE FOR MOST VERSATILE AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE EXHIBITBrandwood Stockhorses, Goulburn, NSWRider: Nicole BarnesBrandwood ArizonaTHE COL A V POPE BEST GELDING HACK OVER 15HHUniversal Stables & Syenna Vasilopoulos, Guanaba, QldBaseTHE F L CRANE BEST MARE OR FILLY HACK OVER 15HH & N.E. 16HHMs Rachael Addison, Belmont, VicQueen of Hearts RASUPREME CHAMPION NON-HACKNEY HARNESS HORSE OR PONY

Keir Family, Dickson, ACTCanberra Park, Stepalong SaturinCHAMPION LADY RIDER Rebecca Farrow, Gruyere, VicStage Presence CHAMPION GENTLEMAN RIDERTyson Zoontjens, Lewsiton, SADS Tulara FursandroSHOWJUMP HORSE OF SHOWClinton John Beresford, Bega, NSWEmmaville JitterbugWINNER OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPDRAFTHugh Miles , Tamworth, NSW Peelvale Wishes FEDERATION CHALLENGE SCHMIDT ‘ARGYLE’ PERPETUAL TROPHY Jason O’Hearn, Bull RiderSTATE OF ORIGIN RODEO SERIESNSW won with 72 points QLD runner up with 52 PointsTENT PEGGING TEAM CHALLENGETamworth Tentpegging

PIGBEST PIG IN SHOW Todd Dennett & Rex Boardman, Saulsbury Sebastian, Camden, NSW MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR OF SHOW ED & AM Flemming, Glendave Jennie, Upper Lansdowne, NSW

POULTRYGRAND CHAMPION BIRD OF SHOW Dingo Valley Poultry Stud, Australorp Bantam Pullet, Wherrol Flat, NSW RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BIRD OF SHOW Akers Flock, Rouen Duck, Tallygaroopna, Vic GRAND CHAMPION EGG EXHIBIT Tracey Watson, The Oaks, NSW CHAMPION FIELD AND FORESTAkers Flock, Bronze Gobbler, Tallygaroopna, Vic

THE STAN HILL MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR INTERBREED GROUP OF THREE PUREBRED STEERS LimousinB W S C – Umina & B & L Toll, Umina, NSWSt John's College Dubbo & Keswick Cattle Co, Dubbo East, NSWMs Kathy Curran, Catherine Field, NSW

TRADE HOOF & CARCASECHAMPION TRADE STEER/HEIFERNabiac Nevada, Cody Evans, Tamworth, NSWCHAMPION TRADE CARCASE Ever Ready, E D Cattle Company, Manilla, NSW

DISTRICT EXHIBITSTHE DISTRICT EXHIBITS PERPETUAL SHIELD South East Queensland District Exhibit THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF

NSW TROPHY South East QueenslandTHE GORDON MAITLAND PERPETUAL TROPHY Southern NSW District ExhibitSCHOOLS DISTRICT EXHIBITS DISPLAY COMPETITION Lake Illawarra High School

DOGBEST EXHIBIT IN SHOW AM. GR CH. SL. SUP. CH. Cordmaker Mister Blue, Puli, S C Huebner & A Kelly, Carlisle South, WA BEST PUPPY IN SHOW Azflex Sign of the Times, Miniature Poodle, JB & KG & P Hopkins, Thurgoona, NSW BEST BREEDERS GROUP IN SHOW Glenkinchie, English Springer Spaniel, M Gostelow, Frankston South, VicCHAMPION JUNIOR HANDLER

Tiarne Tattersall, Aberdare, NSWBEST IN OBEDIENCE TRIALNahrof Zypperty RN. CDX. HTM. N. FS. N, PJ Dalzell, Newport, NSW

FLOWER & GARDENMOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR OF SHOW Graeme Davis & John Woodfield, Ainslie, ACTTHE BANKSIAN MEDAL Graeme Davis & John Woodfield, Ainslie, ACT BRONZE MEDALBruce & Lonny Raines, Catherine Field, NSW THE JOHN THOMAS BAPTIST MEMORIAL MEDALGraeme Davis & John Woodfield, Ainslie, ACT BRONZE MEDALLanny Pramana, Pymble, NSW

22 Results

24 Results

2018 SYDNEY ROYAL FINE FOOD SHOWPROFESSIONAL BAKERYCHAMPION BREAD Staple Classic Sourdough – Staple Bread & Necessities, Seaforth NSW CHAMPION CAKESpecially Selected Vintage Christmas Pudding 700g – Aldi Stores, Minchinbury NSW (produced by Hunter Heritage Gourmet Foods)CHAMPION BISCUITGourmet Rosemary & Rock Salt Bites – Tucker’s Natural, Glenelg SA BEST APPRENTICE/STUDENT EXHIBITJoshua Nickl - The Gumnut Patisserie, Mittagong NSWCHAMPION PASTRYChoc Praline Croissant/Caramelised Vanilla Slice with Raspberries/Fresh Fruit Danish – The Gumnut Patisserie, Mittagong NSW

COFFEECHAMPION LATTÉ BLEND OR SINGLE ORIGINColombia Castillo – Beanroasters, Fyshwick ACTCHAMPION PICCOLO BLEND OR SINGLE ORIGINThe House of Robert Timms Fairtrade – Freshfood Corporation Pty Ltd, Concord NSWCHAMPION SUSTAINABLE COFFEEThe House of Robert Timms Fairtrade – Freshfood Corporation Pty Ltd, Concord NSWAQUACULTURETHE CHAMPION AQUACULTURE PRODUCT PERPETUAL TROPHY, DONATED BY NOEL HERBST OAM & CHAMPION SMOKED/CURED SALMON PRODUCTCold Smoked Atlantic Salmon – Pialligo Estate Smokehouse, Pialligo ACTTHE CHAMPION PRAWN EXHIBIT PERPETUAL TROPHY DONATED BY

Fine time to shineMeet the 2018 Sydney Royal Fine Food and Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce Champions.

GRAHAM J CROUCHGold Coast Tiger Prawns – Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture, Woongoolba QLDCHAMPION SYDNEY ROCK OYSTERNelson Lake – Premium Grade – Tathra Oysters, Tathra NSW CHAMPION BARRAMUNDILarge Barramundi – GFB Fisheries, Rasmussen QLD CHAMPION FRESH FISHSashimi Grade Pacific Reef Nth Qld Cobia – Pacific Reef Fisheries, Ayr QLD

2018 SYDNEY ROYAL CHEESE & DAIRY PRODUCE SHOWCHAMPION BUTTERBeautifully Butterfully Salted Butter, Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd, Coden VIC THE JIM FORSYTH PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR CHAMPION WHITE MILK Brownes Extra Creamy Milk, Brownes Dairy, Balcatta WA CHAMPION FLAVOURED MILKBrownes Extra Creamy Milk, Brownes Dairy, Balcatta WA THE NSW FOOD AUTHORITY PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR CHAMPION SPECIALTY CHEESE, CHAMPION COW MILK CHEESE & CHAMPION CHEESE OF SHOWTarwin Blue, Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese, Fish Creek VIC THE NSW FOOD AUTHORITU PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR CHAMPION CHEDDAR CHEESEBega Heritage Vintage, Bega Cheese Ltd, Bega NSW CHAMPION PREMIUM ICE CREAM OR GELATOColes Rum & Raisin, Coles Supermarkets, Lismore NSW CHAMPION ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGHURTSerendipity Salty Pistachio Praline Ice Cream, Serendipity Ice Cream, Marrickville NSW CHAMPION NOVEL ICE CREAM & CHAMPION GELATOGelato Filled Cannoli Wafers, Pure Gelato, Croydon Park NSWCHAMPION SORBETGelatissimo Mango, Gelatissimo Pty Ltd, Rydalmere NSWTHE BEGA CHEESE PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR CHAMPION YOGHURT OR CULTURED MILK PRODUCTTamar Valley Dairy Greek Yoghurt, Parmalat Australia, Tamar Valley TASCHAMPION CREAMTilba Real Dairy Double Cream, Tilba Real Dairy, Central Tilba NSWTHE SIMON JOHNSON PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR CHAMPION SHEEP, GOAT AND BUFFALO MILK PRODUCTMeredith Dairy Marinated Feta - Sheep & Goat Blend, Meredith Dairy, Meredith VIC

YOUNG JUDGES COMPETITIONSGRAIN Heather Earney, Bedgerabong, NSW FRUIT & VEGETABLE Brooklyn Davis, Urunga, NSWALPACA Tara Arduin, Menai, NSWANGORA GOAT & MOHAIR Tareva-Chine Atkin-Zaldivar, Minto, NSWBEEF CATTLE Cooper Carter, Tumut, NSW BOER GOAT Jessica Hawker, Hinchinbrook, NSWDAIRY CATTLE Mitchell Atkins, Tamworth, NSWDAIRY GOAT Mae Danen, Yanco, NSW HORSES Brad Daunt, Cubbata, NSW (State) & Darby Ryan, Irvingdale, QLD (National)SHETLAND PONIES Bronte Talbot, Dooralong, NSWHORTICULTURE Christie Hayward, Picnic Point, NSWPIG Eleanor Santolin, Georges Hall, NSW POULTRY Hannah Jenkins, Narellan, NSWSHEEP Jack Lawrence, Warren, NSW

MOST SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL IN STEGGLES SYDNEY ROYAL MEAT BIRD PAIRS COMPETITION Elderslie High School, Elderslie, NSWMOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR IN SCHOOL EGG LAYING COMPETITIONMenai High School, Illawong, NSW CHAMPION SCHOOL POULTRY EXHIBITVincentia High School, Vincentia NSWMOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR OVERALL Akers Flock, Tallygaroopna, Vic

SHEEP & FLEECENSW/QLD CLASSES - CHAMPION SKIRTED FLEECE, MERINOJ & C Chappell, Northern, Dundee, NSW RAS/ASC WOOL ARTICLE/GARMENT COMPETITION STATE FINALB Wyles, E Brash, M McCutcheon, Kiama Downs, NSW SUPREME MERINO EXHIBITLette Family, Conrayn, Berridale, NSWSUPREME PRIME LAMB EXHIBIT (EWE)Graham Gilmore, Tattykeel, Oberon, NSWSUPREME PRIME LAMB EXHIBIT (RAM) Graham Gilmore, Tattykeel, Oberon, NSW

WOODCHOPTHE MANNY MCCARTHY MEMORIAL 375MM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNDERHAND Laurence O Toole, Doncaster, VIC 325MM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING BLOCK Mitchell Argent, Blackbutt, QLD325MM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TREE FELLING Mitchell Hewitt, Wamuran, QLD (12th consecutive year, 14th World Championship)375MM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SAWING (SINGLE HANDED) Robert Dowling, Invercargill, NZ600MM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SAWING (DOUBLE HANDED) Justin Beckett, Congewai, NSWNoel Marsh, Millfield, NSW 275MM LADIES UNDERHAND CHAMPIONSHIP Ashleigh Heath, Bellbird, NSW300MM LADIES SAWING CHAMPIONSHIP (SINGLE HANDED) Jodie Beutel, Crow’s Nest, QLD

Results 25

For a complete list of 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show winners visit rasnsw.com.au and view the individual competition pages.

Feature

WORDS ALISON DANCE

ON HOME TURF

This is why the grass is always greener at Sydney Showground.

“It grows more quickly in summer and we’re forever mowing and fertilising,” O’Keeffe says. “It’s on such a big scale so just cutting it takes about two hours.”

AUTUMNWhat sets Spotless Stadium apart from other arenas is hosting Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

“The Show is a beast! We try to get into as good a condition as we can because the better you go in, the better you come out,” O’Keeffe says.

The grass has to survive 12 days of showjumping, polo, rodeo and even motocross among other events. Then it must be transformed back into a professional sports field in just 24 days.

It’s another reason to use Couch, the variety is known for its ability to handle high levels of traffic and recover quickly from wear.

“The trick is in the turf,” O’Keeffe says. “It’s about two inches or 50mm thick and you can virtually grow it over a road, so lay out in the Stadium and you’re good to go.”

Matrix Turf rolls are a whopping

Cricket flannels are stained as Thunder slides across it, blades are sent flying by a Wanderer’s kick, hooves leave divots when a Showjumper lands and it softens the blow

of a Giant tackle.Year-round the 15,030m2 of turf in

Sydney Showground’s Spotless Stadium is put to the test. Thousands watch elite athletes compete on this immaculate ground, yet few see the team of just seven responsible for it.

With 25 years of industry experience,

Sydney Showground Grounds Manager, Terry O’Keeffe leads the team caring for this famous turf daily.

SUMMERLike most Aussie lawns, Couch is the grass of choice. It thrives in full-sun areas but Sydney’s summer heat proves challenging.

“Couch is a warm season grass but with a straight sand profile it doesn’t hold many nutrients or water so it does get quite thirsty,” O’Keeffe says. “It’s not too bad on water consumption though.”

It’s not only the sporting teams that change on Spotless Stadium, it’s the grass length. Each sport has different specifications.

“Cricket we cut it 10mm, A-league it’s 20mm and around 30mm for AFL but the Show people like it long.

“When it’s cut short it stresses the grass and it has a fair chance of keeling over,” O’Keeffe explains. “We keep water up to it and try to leave a bit of length so it can take in all the nutrients and water.”

Luckily, Couch has strong horizontal growth meaning it tolerates being cut short.

1.2m wide, 10m long and weigh a tonne each. This year 4,000 square metres of turf was replaced in just two days with the help of Evergreen Turf.

At any time, there are around 4,400 hectares of turf under production in Australia with NSW being the second largest producer.

Evergreen Turf farms on 170 acres, and around 3,000 square metres are dedicated to Matrix Turf, which gets its name from its plastic layer.

“It’s a stabilised turf so it has a polypropylene layer,” says Evergreen Turf Operations Manager, Mark Warwick.

“That’s put on the ground, sand is added and the root structure grows around it holding it together. That makes it 100 times stronger than normal turf.”

The sand base means water and nutrients aren’t held by soil, so anything that goes onto the plant has to be absorbed straight into the leaf.

Farming a high maintenance product on a large scale requires a designated team with specialised equipment.

“It’s very hard to keep nutrients and water up to it because it’s so thick,” Warwick says. “It’s almost like growing turf in hydroponics; it always has to be wet.

TERRY O'KEEFFE HAS MANAGED TO COMBINE HIS LOVE OF SPORT WITH HIS BACKGROUND IN AGRICULTURE

27

ARTIFICIAL VS NATURAL Artificial turf is becoming more prevalent in sporting grounds with demand for synthetics increasing.

“There are too many people playing on sports fields and natural turf won’t cope with it so artificial options are good for training fields and wet days,” Warwick says.

However, synthetic grass can hold in heat and cause abrasions similar to carpet burn, so horticulturalists say there will always be a place for natural turf.

While artificial turf is common on America’s NFL fields, it is unlikely to appear in Spotless Stadium.

“Artificial turf is a bit controversial,” O’Keeffe says. “They replaced natural turf with it in the US about 10 or 15 years ago and now they’re going back to real turf because of injuries.”

Feature28

“I would say we use about 20-50,000L on an average day just on the Matrix.”

Focusing on fertilising and fungicide, the on-farm turf is produced to a stadium-ready standard so they can roll right in the moment the Show is over.

WINTERAlthough the open stadium allows for breeze that helps keep frost away, the low winter sun gives rise to challenges.

“An issue is the shade from the grandstand and there’s not much we can do about that,” O’Keeffe says. “It makes it more susceptible to disease especially in the north-eastern corner when the sun is low so we don’t water that side as much.”

Winter sees the stadium ground transform to a stunning shade of green but there is a trick to achieving the colour.

It’s a technique called oversowing, one of the fastest and easiest ways to cover bare patches and prevent weeds.

“We oversow with Rye Grass which makes it look pretty, it gives it that strong green colour and aids recovery,” O’Keeffe says.

Steven King relishes this final result.

He joined the Sydney Showground team six years ago to combine his love of sport with horticulture.

“I enjoy getting all the different sports ready and seeing the finished product whether it’s AFL or cricket,” King says. “Then going home and seeing it on the TV, that’s where you get the kicks.”

SPRINGThis is the busiest season for the grounds team as it prepares a winter ground for heat and new sports.

“This is when we transition from the Rye Grass back to the Couch otherwise it’ll have a detrimental effect,” O’Keeffe says.

“It’s a busy season where we go from AFL to soccer in two weeks and then straight to cricket.

“The transition phase is challenging and it’s about trial and error, doing what we can when we can,” he says.

With a love of hard work and the outdoors, it is a dream combination for horticulturalist, Sam Butler, who started with Sydney Showground in 2016. AFL and soccer games are proving a favourite.

“We can be watering the grass up to

three times before a game and during halftime,” Butler says. “There are always some odd last minute requests too.”

Proud to be succeeding in a male-dominated industry, the young horticulturalist is currently on a working trip abroad. Sam is touring sporting grounds in countries including Ireland, Scotland, England and Holland.

Opportunities for professional development were a key reason for joining the team.

“It offers a wide variety of the horticultural industry’s different aspects,” she says. “There are opportunities to expand and progress within the organisation so I’m excited to be here and I love it.”

That could be just the beginning with Australia’s turf maintenance sector servicing around 10,000 prepared turf surfaces, seeing it valued at more than $500 million per annum.

Spotless Stadium is becoming increasingly more versatile and the team is determined to push the boundaries of the ground’s capabilities. Watching grass grow has never been more exciting. •

Feature28

THE GLORIOUS GREEN OF EVERGREEN TURF FARM

Q fever could have you off work for months. Protect your livelihood and your family.Speak to your GP or visit health.nsw.gov.au/qfever

Q Fever A4 RAS Dec17 V6.indd 1 11/04/2018 3:26:17 PM

Agriculture

WORDS JANE HAMMOND

THE SCIENCE OF NATURE

When farmers cross paths with scientists, the results could help feed the world.

Once upon a time hybrid produce was the stuff of science fiction. Nowadays, thanks to science rather than fiction, it’s becoming commonplace. If you’ve eaten

broccolini, Lebanese cucumbers, truss tomatoes or kalettes, you’re already part of the hybrid bunch.

But how far can we take hybrid produce and what are the outcomes for Aussie consumers and farmers?

One person who knows more than most about hybrids is Graham Brown, Research and Development Manager at Abundant Produce.

The company he helped launch operates under two brands specialising in the diverse fields of plant breeding, intellectual property development and nutraceuticals. Abundant Seeds breeds enhanced hybrid plants that result in improved performance for farmers and high-quality products for consumers. Abundant Natural Health transforms superior, purpose-bred natural ingredients into active skin and body

care products like their Tomato Infusion face cream.

Abundant Produce had a big debut on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2016, and with quality seeds costing more than their weight in gold, it has gone from strength to strength.

In fact, it is Australia’s only ASX listed hybrid plant breeder dedicated to world-class agri-science research into commercially valuable intellectual property.

But what exactly does that mean? Brown says it results in targeted breeding specifically for local environments so Australian growers and consumers get to experience better products.

“The major strengths of F1 hybrids are yield and general crop improvement. Farmer’s investments can be recouped thus allowing further outlay and enhancement

which can, in turn, make produce more cost-effective for consumers.”

The first filial generation of a plant’s offspring of distinctly different parental types is the filial 1 hybrid (F1 hybrid). An F1 hybrid is the result of crossing two pure parental plant-lines to achieve a desired result.

The value in F1 hybrids come from their increased yield, typically in the range of a 15-50%, which is attributed to Hybrid Vigour. Hybrid Vigour is the improved or increased function of any biological quality in a hybrid offspring.

Brown attributes Abundant Produce’s successes to its ability to meet a gap in the market.

“Recently there has been a lack of vegetable breeders who can confidently concentrate on breeding for Australia’s unique soils and environments.

An F1 hybrid is a first-generation plant, the result of crossing two pure parental plant-lines in order to achieve certain desired characteristics

GRAHAM BROWN, ABUNDANT PRODUCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, IS FIRMLY FOCUSSED ON CREATING NEW AND IMPROVED VEGETABLES

31

THE SEEDS OF SCIENCE

Two of Australia’s senior research institutions, the University of Sydney and UNSW collaborate with Abundant Produce to deliver new research in molecular biology, plant pathology, agronomy and chemistry.

Their aim is to create high-value food crops and botanically active extracts for the booming skin care and nutraceutical industries along with seeds for the global agricultural industry.

“Our mantra is ‘Better growth for Australian Farmers’; and our goal is to get as much return as possible for Aussie farmers as well as to lead the way on the global agricultural stage.

“Farming in Australia is a tough business and any input which creates value, like hybrids created specifically for our environment, is held in high esteem.”

Brown predicts the conversion of traditional crop varieties to F1 hybrids will continue and innovation will lead to breakthroughs allowing F1 hybrids to be extended.

“The University of Sydney is currently working on an exciting program in hybrid wheat which could potentially revolutionise the industry.

Due to problems with seed production, wheat hybrids have never been commercially viable despite them

showing an increase in yield stability, which is vital in a predominantly hot and dry climate like Australia.

Whilst the increased yield from hybrids is the major benefit for Australian agriculture, it is also possible to increase a crop’s disease resistance. The hybrid’s disease package is improved simply by having complimentary parents.

As the need to produce more food with fewer resources for the world’s growing population continues, F1 hybrids, to some extent, will aid supply and demand issues.

Hybrid grower, Tarek Azzi is the General Manager & Proprietor of his Sydney-based tomato and cucumber growing business. The Azzi family were one group of innovative growers who identified the commercial viability of growing local produce all year around

within the Sydney Basin.Azzi recalls that he and his father set

up a low-tech greenhouse produce and farming business back in the late 1990s.

“We were encouraged by friends who were established cucumber growers. All of them supported us and shared their knowledge selflessly.

Initially supported by the late William Azzi, who introduced what is now called the Lebanese cucumber variety to Australia, they have gone on to produce different varieties including egg tomatoes, on-the-vine tomatoes, and the normal salad variety tomatoes as well as their cucumbers which have all been of the ‘Lebanese’ variety.

For the Azzi family business, Abundant Produce’s hybrids are an obvious choice because they are developed for Australia-specific growing conditions. They increase the per-seed-output and cater for specific regional customers and their varying tastes.

“Hybrids are going to go very far in my opinion. They have already improved the commerciality of producing more, better-quality fruit.

Azzi favours hybrids for their sustainability as well, the plants require

less land, reduced water, fewer fertilisers and chemicals. The bonus of more fruit per plant and a superior aesthetic is hard to resist and allows growers to cultivate better quality crops over a longer period.

The potential for year-long local production for local markets and higher quality crops with tolerance to weather conditions and soil variety, combined with heightened taste per fruit are mighty strengths. However, he is honest about the possibilities and limitations of the hybrid evolution as well.

“Some of the weaknesses, as is with anything that is newly developed include new issues in plant and fruit growth and wondering what the quality will be. New strains will require fertiliser optimisation and chemical regimes to be developed.

Azzi says he has an exhaustive list of ‘must haves’ when considering a new hybrid for inclusion in his successful business.

“Firstly, I study the time, in weeks, from seeding to picking the first fruit or node on the plant. Other considerations include the average weight per-each-fruit produced, the average total weight of all fruits, and how much a single seed

THIS PAGE: THE PROOF IS IN THE PRODUCEOPPOSITE PAGE: AZZI FAMILY HYBRID CROPS

or plant will produce through its productive lifespan.

Another issue is demand for the fruit and balancing maintenance costs against this demand. For this reason, pest and disease resistance, the Hybrid Vigour is important.

“Finally, in the case of growth or quality issues encountered with a newly developed hybrid, one must ask, does the seed developer provide any local horticultural and engineering support?”

Abundant Produce’s CEO Tony Crimmins outlines, “we’re flexible, agile, and can experiment and make the improvements on Australian soil that are applicable globally.

“We know that if we can make it work in Australia that we can make it work anywhere and that’s the true value that we take to our global community.” •

Whilst one benefit of hybrids is increased yield, the possibility of increasing disease resistance is seen as an attractive - and competitive - advantage for many Australian growers

Agriculture

Farming in Australia is a tough business and any input which creates value, like hybrids developed for our environment, is held in high esteem

33

Feature34 35

WORDS KATRINA NASH

PICTURE PERFECT

A talent that is inspired by her country roots, Amanda hails from a property in Nerriga, NSW and has a passion for all things agriculture. Whether it is riding horses, going to the local sales or attending field days, these are the moments Amanda wants to capture.

“I got a camera for my 18th birthday and I was never really taught how to use it. I just started to fiddle with it, and see what each of the settings did. I never did any courses,” Amanda said.

“I started taking photos of the farm and I thought to myself that was what I would like to do.

“And even now when I go out riding in the national park with my mates I always pack my camera. And if I see something I want to take a photo of I will make my friends stop riding and make them hold my horse.”

There is an abundance of stories within rural communities, and Amanda’s is spun in the web of photos she holds. Her story portrays the 'can do' attitude that country NSW is famous for.

When the country meets the city, the Show is a place these two worlds collide and learn from each other. And it is the images taken by Amanda and other photographers

Imagine. A storm breaking through the sky, lightning strikes roll over the hills and light up the atmosphere.

An image captures the moment so clear and surreal that news organisations across Australia repost it countless times. Viewers across the country are in awe of the image.

And it begs the question. Who was behind the lens?

The answer, Amanda Herringe. A

farmer, water licencing registrar, truck driver, horse rider, and self-taught photographer.

I was lucky enough to meet Amanda at the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show where she was contracted by the RAS to work as a photographer.

A gig she received following her storm image being reposted by the ABC, the Daily Telegraph and a multitude of

other news organisations. The RAS Times reached out to

Amanda and requested the image for use in the magazine. Seven months later Amanda was under contract and taking photos at the Show.

Amanda believes this all comes down to 'luck'. But as I flicked through Amanda’s images, it was clear that she has quite a gift when it comes to photography.

that help city folk understand what country Australia is all about.

As someone with a love for words I was intrigued as to how an image can reflect the picturesque country landscape and portray the important role agriculture plays in today’s society.

Amanda’s photos do just that. “If I’m heading to work or heading out

West and I see a photo opportunity, whether it is a storm coming in or the way the light looks on the crops, I’ll just stop on the side of the road and capture it.

“Last year the crops weren’t great in NSW. But I still took the photos to compare and show just how tough a year it was.”

However, it’s not only landscapes that Amanda captures. From truck shows, to car shows, field days and even dog shows, Amanda’s camera roll is filled with events.

And if photographing the Show wasn’t enough, Amanda stepped out from behind the lens and became part of the action too.

Competing for team NSW in the

OPPOSITE: AMANDA'S 'STORM OVER CROOKWELL' PHOTOGRAPH. THIS PAGE: AMANDA (LEFT) AND KATRINA WORKING THE BEAT AT THE SHOW.

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Journalism student Katrina Nash from Cudal (population 339) undertook a 12-day internship in the Media Centre at the 2018 Sydney

Royal Easter Show. She spent some time getting to know Show photographer Amanda Herringe from Nerriga (population 72).

National Young Farmers Challenge, I witnessed another talent Amanda possesses.

Building a chicken coop, putting out a fire and pressing a bale of wool, it was clear that all competitors, including Amanda, had an extensive array of skills up their sleeve. Perhaps that is the legacy of a rural upbringing.

And although the adrenalin of competing may be fun, Amanda didn’t enjoy having the camera focussed on her.

“I’d prefer to be taking the photos. There are some terrible ones of me running around…”

For now however, being a professional photographer isn’t the aim for Amanda.

“I don’t want to get over it. It’s still fun and I don’t want to turn it into a job that I don’t enjoy.”

If Amanda’s pictures can tell a thousand words, it is lucky for journalism students like me that she isn’t pursuing the career fulltime. •

There is an abundance of stories within rural communities... this one truly reflects the 'can do' attitude country NSW is famous for

Youth in Ag

Milking the Show One of the many innovations at the new Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park was a purpose-built milking parlour.

Before then, exhibitors made their own milking arrangements, and demonstrations for the public were provided by two maverick

sisters from the back of a trailer.

RAS Heritage

WORDS VICKI HASTRICH

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Picture this. An early autumn morning, misty. In the cattle sheds at Moore Park Showground, people are beginning to stir. The sound of a broom. The random bellow

of a cow. Someone banging a rake on a wheelbarrow as they muck out the stalls. In the alleyways between sheds, the shadowy figures of boys briefly appear, swinging billy cans, dodging puddles. They’re Paddington boys. They’ve slipped in under fences and by secret ways Paddington boys are born to know: they’ve come for milk.

For decades and decades these daily visitors were part of the living ecosystem of the Show, and unofficially welcome. Dairy cattle exhibitors, who must continue to milk their cows during Showtime, were glad to give milk away, rather than see it poured down the drain. Campers on the ground came with empty bottles and buckets. Pig exhibitors also called by for a share –for their pigs. But waste was still inevitable, and in post-war times increasingly so. Eventually, when metropolitan milk processing and distribution improved

and we all got wealthier, the Paddington boys stopped coming.

Within living memory, exhibitors hand-milked their cows, but as portable milking machines became available, people brought them along, setting them up in their own stalls.

As with many other sectors, the dairy industry regrouped after WWII to go through a rapid phase of modernisation. In New South Wales, the organising body of the industry was the NSW Milk Board. Along with the government, it encouraged improvements to breed stock and yields through the establishment of an experimental AI stock breeding centre at Graham Park in Berry, the first of its kind in Australia.

Thanks to a post-war population explosion, demand for milk continually escalated and the Milk Board was flat out, seeing to the expansion of distribution networks, in the regions, as

well as Sydney’s growing suburbs.Money was poured into milk

promotion, and at the Showground, the Board sponsored a new Dairy Hall, the interiors of which were superbly designed. Sleek 1950s lines dominated, and the milk bar there, which served milkshakes and ice-creams, was a thing to behold. This was the golden age of the milk bar, a time when milk was not just a necessity; it was a fashionable product.

In the Dairy Hall there were informational displays and demonstrations of milk testing and bottle washing, but no provision for any live milking.

As Australia further urbanised, milking was something people needed to see. During the 1960s and ’70s, for the first time, generations of children began to grow up not knowing how milk got into bottles. Some schools went on excursions to the Rotolactor, a grand-scale mechanised dairy at Camden Park

As Australia further urbanised, live milking was something people needed to see... generations of children did not know how milk got into bottles

39RAS Heritage

Estate, but the innovative dairy, designed in the round, fell into decline.

Educational information needed to come closer to the people and be more entertaining.

ENTER ELIZABETH AND ANNETTE THOMSON. The women were Bringelly dairy farmers. When labour was hard to come by during WWII, the two sisters helped out on their family property, and when their father died in 1952, they took full control.

They inherited a ‘rainbow’ herd, but soon began building a stud herd of Holstein-Friesians. By the late 1950s they were showing their cattle at local shows and in 1964 tried their luck in Sydney. Over time, they hauled in many ribbons, but a bigger show-bug was to bite them.

The Thomsons came from affluence (Lizzie went to finishing school in Paris;

and a cosmopolitan aunt of theirs was Princess Grace’s lady-in-waiting), but the sisters were down-to-earth by nature. Everyone loved ‘the Girls’, as they were universally known, for their enthusiasm and hard work – and their cheeky sense of humour.

When a friend, Lennie Ridge, came to the sisters saying organisers of the 1975 Hawkesbury Show had a space to fill, the three decided to try to replicate a milking display the sisters had seen while travelling in Canada. It was rustic – a circus, they later laughed – with cows tied up to gates and the two women struggling to stop poorly erected milking machines from collapsing. It didn’t matter. The concept was a howling success and the institution of the Milky Way was born.

With the approval of the Milk Board, the sisters professionalised the set-up, designing and building a trailer to make

the display fully mobile. Then they took to the road, touring schools and small shows. In 1976, they brought the Milky Way, as it was dubbed, to Sydney for the Show. And they came again. And again. Every year for next two decades. It was an extraordinarily generous gesture and almost a full-time job. They financed the display, trained the young people assisting, and gave the spiel to audiences themselves. Annie did most of the commentary, and was the mastermind behind their Bringelly breeding program, while Lizzie got involved in the administration side of the Holstein Association. She became its first woman president, and in that capacity was the first woman to ever attend the annual Breed Presidents’ meeting convened by the RAS of NSW.

To regular Showgoers, the Milky Way trailer was a familiar sight. It was fitted with a four-stand electric milking machine. Assistants prepared the cows, then during milking, milk could be seen flowing through lines to a 150-gallon refrigerated vat – just like on a dairy farm. In its lifetime the Milky Way travelled many miles: to Canberra Show, Melbourne and Adelaide; it

Thanks to a post-war population explosion, demand for milk continually escalated... money was poured into milk promotion

The 1950s was the golden age of the mik bar and hanging out together enjoying milkshakes and ice-creams... milk was not just a necessity, it was a highly fashionable product

even crossed the Nullarbor when the Girls took it to Perth as part of WA’s sesquicentenary celebrations.

Despite being in their late seventies by the time they retired, the hard work of it all never fazed the Thomsons. For years, they stayed in a caravan on the ground during the Show, always ready to participate in whatever fun was going around.

With the relocation of Sydney Showground to Sydney Olympic Park, milking arrangements at the Show were long overdue a rethink. A crucial sponsorship deal was struck with Dairy Farmers to build a state of the art working dairy incorporating the very latest equipment and technology. It would answer everyone’s needs. In the dairy, which was capable of handling 300 cows in four and a half hours, all the exhibitors’ cattle could be milked. With proper milk storage, and with Dairy Farmers contracted to remove the milk and pay for it, the days of waste were over. Given that some 500 litres are produced during each Show, it was a breakthrough which significantly helped exhibitors.

As part of the deal, the RAS became responsible for running the educational

side of things, devising public talks utilising the new facility. At last, Showgoers could see the nearest thing to a commercial operation in action.

At the inaugural 1998 Show, crowds packed in to watch the five daily sessions. It was more popular than expected, causing visibility and congestion issues. These days the tiered seating provides a welcome spot to rest while families learn all about dairying and the processes milk products go through to get to their tables.

For Elizabeth and Annette Thomson, the Milky Way was over. But as ever, their response was positive.

‘Well, it was magnificent,’ Annie said. ‘We would teach people about milking and the cows – they’re such splendid beasts, really. But after 20 years, we decided perhaps it was time the dairy industry

went in for a younger image so that it wasn’t just old fuddy-duddies like us.’

In 2001 the sisters were made Show Legends, and in 2004 the ultimate gong came their way when both were awarded Order of Australia Medals for their four-decade contribution to the Show movement and the dairy industry. The Thomsons, then octogenarians, were delighted, saying they had no regrets about the many kicks they’d received along the way from their bovine charges.

This year, the milking parlour celebrated its twentieth anniversary. But stay tuned. Some folks in the know suggest it might soon be time to update the facility. The dream is for Sydney to be the first Royal to introduce the public to the next big development – robot milking.

The Paddington boys of yesteryear would surely be gobsmacked. •

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What a Show it was!

Overture, curtain, lights this was it, we hit the heights