On the 16th of June, Finch Hatton played host to the 56th annual Pioneer Valley Show. While the weather leading up to the show was challenging, the day itself was pleasant enough for the 11000 patrons who attended.
Free entertainment filled the grounds including Gilmore's animal farm and pig races, The Crack up sisters, Bumpkin entertainment, Luke's Wildlife Kingdom and mobile reptile park. FMX Kaos Motocross aerial stunt show and the Horse vs Motorbike Challenge.
The Fine Arts and Horticultural pavilion was packed with outstanding local and regional entries whose quality was a credit to all exhibitors. It created a wonderful display to the constant flow of patrons and excited winners alike.
After a dry end to 2018, the sugarcane section was well supported again this year. Growers supplied good amounts of quality cane creating healthy competition and demonstrating a fine testament to good farming practices.
The poultry and pigeon pavilion was filled with the sound of many and varied breeds of all shapes and sizes. The entries for this year were well above previous shows suggesting a resurgence in domestic poultry numbers. (Fresh is best) Qld Shows have started a young judges competition for poultry, so if there is any aspiring youngsters out there please contact the show for more information.
The woodchop was a crowd pleaser again this year with fierce competition between local and out of town choppers alike. The father son relay is one event that ensures the legacy of wood chopping is passed onto the next generation.
Beef cattle numbers were higher this year with strong competition between a good spread of producers. Judged on confirmation, weight for age and suitability to markets, the stock on hand would have stood up to any other beef competition held around the state. Thank you to all producers for entering your best livestock particularly those battling against unfavourable seasons.
Numbers were slightly down in the caged birds this year, but still provided a wide range of breeds for patrons to browse.
The quality of the stud cattle line up was exceptional this year with a diverse selection of breeds. The young judges and junior paraders stole the show with their devotion to cattle obvious for all to see. Cambil Brahmans from Proserpine, who proudly support our show, recently had great success at the Brisbane EKKA proving the quality attracted to our stud section.
The ring events this year were well attended with some competitors making the long journey to our picturesque grounds. With a full day of competition, patrons were able to sit back and enjoy the horsemanship on display. As usual the riders and horses were all presented extremely well. Congratulations to all.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with this years show, no matter how big or small your contribution. Stewards, judges, cleaners; the list goes on but the simple fact is there would be no show without the support of volunteers throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Its not by chance that we have the long upheld title of the best one day show in Australia and with ongoing support and hard work we intend to keep living up to it.
Management Committee Member.
Chris Peoples