Contributed by Jo Bulmer
The annual Bos Indicus Youth Camp took place on 13th & 14th September at Casino Showgrounds, with the Australian Brahman Breeders Association as this year’s host. The camp teaches cattle handling, preparation, and presentation skills, focusing on participant ability rather than animal quality. Activities included parading, junior judging, and industry-relevant sessions. This year we were very fortunate to have ABBA support us by allowing Paul Williams to come and instruct.
Focus and Unique Approach of the Camp
The camp is dedicated to teaching participants both the practical skills and underlying theory involved in preparing and presenting cattle for show events. Unlike most camps, the Bos Indicus Youth Camp does not judge the animals used by participants. This approach allows competitors to demonstrate the abilities they have acquired throughout the weekend, even if the animal they work with is not considered show quality.
Educational Sessions and Industry Relevance
Each year, the camp offers sessions on parading and junior judging, along with a variety of workshops covering topics of interest and importance to the agricultural industry. ABBA provided strong support by allowing Paul Williams to instruct each participant group in the practical aspects of cattle scanning. The session was highly engaging, offering a valuable hands-on learning experience under Paul’s guidance. This opportunity certainly sparked the interest of the young participants, deepening their understanding of the practice and provided much entertainment in question time from the younger groups.
Legacy and Community Spirit
The camp’s impact is evident when former participants return to contribute, sharing their skills and knowledge with the next generation. These individuals exemplify the lasting influence of the camp, giving back to the community that helped nurture their own development in earlier years.
Brother and sister combination, Stacey and Ben Clark from Staben Brahman Stud both attended many camps beginning almost 30 years ago. Stacey, our current NSW Chairwoman, plays a key role in the planning and organisation of the camp. Ben, a stock and station agent, is also actively engaged in these activities, and this year was responsible for the public speaking section, a role he excels in.
Chelsea Campbell of MTripleC Brahmans fulfilled the role of team leader again this year. Chelsea is employed as a Livestock Cadet at Casino Food Company where she manages farm operations and assists with production and processing.
Daniel “Boon” Pryor from BNB Brahmans, who works in both the dairy and beef cattle industry, has attended the camp every year since he turned eight, the minimum age requirement. This year, he again served as a leader for the youngest group alongside Jo Bulmer from Mountana Brahmans.
Isabel Alexson from Ruby Rose Brahmans deserves recognition for both attending the camp and generously providing a team of Brahmans for other participants. She also served as an excellent mentor and role model. Her commitment to the cattle industry earned her the Clinton Edwards Memorial Trophy at this year’s camp.
Her success in paraders sees her off to the Royal Easter Show in Sydney along with Daniel Pryor and also Rhani Dorey from Mogul Stud to represent the North Coast Show Society.
