Agricultural
17 July, 2026
Queensland Herefords Youth Show visits Oakey
The 2026 Herefords Queensland Youth Affiliation (HQYA) Annual Youth Show was another outstanding success, with young cattle enthusiasts from across Queensland and interstate gathering at the Oakey Showgrounds from 2nd–5th July for four days of education and competition.
The annual event aims to develop the next generation of beef industry leaders through hands-on learning and practical competition.
Oakey became this year's venue after the Dalby Showgrounds were unavailable.
A total of 75 competitors aged from 5 to 25 participated in the 2026 edition, showcasing their passion for the Hereford breed while developing valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
Throughout the weekend, competitors took part in a wide range of educational and practical activities including public speaking workshops, animal husbandry sessions, heifer and bull judging lectures, and worked in teams for the Farmers Challenge.
Entrants then competed in Junior Judging, Public Speaking, Cattle Classes and Paraders competition with the Herdsman results being announced at the conclusion of the event.
HQYA 2025-26 President William York was named the 2026 HQYA Ambassador and said, “The show continues to provide invaluable opportunities for young people to develop practical skills while building lifelong friendships within the beef industry.”
The event welcomed a number of respected industry representatives to judge including Tom Nixon (Devon Court Herefords, Drillham, QLD), Jamie Hollis (Kalara Livestock, Brookstead, QLD) and Stephanie Laycock (High Country Droughtmasters, Toogoolawah, QLD).
Many volunteers and well-known faces around the Herefords Queensland Youth movement generously shared their knowledge throughout the weekend.
The HQYA committee says it acknowledges the outstanding support received from sponsors, volunteers and families whose contributions made the event possible.
Major sponsors included:
• Talbalba Herefords
• McGregor Gourlay Toowoomba
• Gollan Group Rural Contracting
Special thanks were also extended to the many businesses and individuals who donated prizes, equipment and services throughout the event.
2026 HEREFORDS QUEENSLAND ANNUAL YOUTH SHOW MAJOR RESULTS
Grand Champion Herdsman: Clancie Gollan (Goombungee, QLD)
Overall Reserve Champion Herdsman: Hamish Swanbrough (Inverell, NSW)
Grand Champion Junior Judge: Lacey Fea (Iredale, QLD)
Overall Reserve Champion Junior Judge: Colby George (Doubtful Creek, NSW)
Grand Champion Public Speaker: Isaac Buchanan (Cressbrook, QLD)
Overall Reserve Champion Public Speaker: Sam Potts (Kilcoy, QLD)
Grand Champion Parader: James Ebert (Mount Beppo, QLD)
Overall Reserve Champion Parader: Daisy Burton (Toogoolawah, QLD)
Supreme Exhibit (Cattle Classes): Talbalba led by Georgia Cavanagh (Pittsworth, QLD) and bred by Talbalba Herefords (Millmerran, QLD).
Most Potential Cattle Breeder: Lilly Richter (Millmerran, QLD)
Reserve Most Potential Cattle Breeder: Hamish Swanbrough (Inverell, NSW)
The 2026 Most Potential Cattle Breeder award recipient won R5XW170 Talbalba Choice generously donated by the Reid Family Talbalba Herefords (Millmerran, QLD), long time supporters of HQYA.
HQYA Ambassador: William York (Nunkulla, QLD)
HQYA Education Bursary: Lilly Richter (Millmerran, QLD).
The HQYA Education Bursary recipient is awarded $2000 to participate in a program or event of their selection to upskill themselves and bring this knowledge back to the show.
Best Buddy: Colby George (Doubtful Creek, NSW) and Adeline McNamee (Athol, QLD)
Encouragement Awards: Clancy Jones (Millmerran, QLD), Lillian Walsh (Oakey, QLD), Tilda Jones (Westbrook, QLD), Jack Brelsford (The Gap, QLD), Olivia Smith (Gleneagle, QLD).
As another successful HQYA Annual Youth Show concluded, participants departed Oakey with new knowledge, improved confidence and friendships that will continue to strengthen Queensland’s Hereford community for years to come.
The event again demonstrated the bright future of the Hereford breed and the Australian beef industry through the enthusiasm and dedication of its young members.
The event was catered for by Oakey Lions Club, Oakey QCWA, Oakey Historical Museum and Oakey Information Centre.
