Having Lowlines is having fun. Heidi Corey, 17,has her own Lowline stud, Violet Valley, at Glencoe near Mt Gambier, and has just been selected to be the 2009 ALCA Youth Ambassador to the United States. This is Heidi's story about exhibiting under her own stud name at the 2008 Adelaide Royal Show.

Heidi Corey's First Royal Show

Compared to the local country shows that I usually attend, the Adelaide Royal Show was intimidating. Since starting Violet Valley Lowline Stud, the only show that I had taken my cow Argio Park Knight Opal to was the SA Junior Heifer Expo in July 2008. Before that I have shown with Argio Park. I had many expectations as to what the Adelaide Royal would be like but never truly knew until I attended this year and exhibited my cow under my stud name.

While at my first Royal I helped out many studs, not just Lowlines but a Hereford stud that had a lot of animals exhibited. I exhibited my cow Opal. She got a first in her class so went on to compete for Senior Champion Cow. Opal was not due to calve for another month so I didn't hold my breath when she wasn't picked as Senior Champion. I competed in many competitions such as the Junior Parader's Competition and the State Bull Judging. I tried my best in these classes and again did not expect to win against young farmers that have been doing this all their lives. But I gave it my best shot.

Taking an animal into the Interbreed was also a tremendous experience. I took Argio Park's Junior Champion heifer into the ring alongside Peter and Sue Fourier's Junior Champion Bull. We had a lot of BIG competition but we did a very good job to stand out among the rest. The Grand Parade was also a great experience. It was great to see that we had a just as many Lowlines as there were competitors in other breeds. I think this Royal Show showed that Lowline exhibitors should be proud. Adelaide was a credit to the breed and its future.

While the public came in and out of the shed, I noticed that a lot of attention was being attracted by the presentation of the Lowline bay and display. The display was a neat pin up board and the bordering and the flags that were put up by the Lowline exhibitors made the bay look very inviting. I'd like to thank all of the Lowline exhibitors at the Royal Adelaide show for helping me out in whatever way they could and a special thanks to Roelf and Glennister deKoning who always made sure I had the best experience that the Royal Show could give me.

By Heidi Cory