Stud owner Denis O’Connor said he hoped to build on previous success and was entering seven animals this year.
“One of the heifers entered is the daughter of the heifer that came second in a class of 28 at the last challenge,” he said.
“That a daughter of that heifer has put herself forward to be entered, highlights that our breeding program is achieving the desired results.”
Twenty-two studs from across Victoria will take part in the challenge, with more than 120 cattle to be exhibited. Judge Andrew Green will travel to each stud.
The first on-farm challenge was held in 2018 with plans for the event to be held every two years, however the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“The on-farm challenges give all studs the opportunity to show their animals and receive feedback without having to do a full show presentation,” Mr O’Connor said.
“After our success in the first on-farm challenge and at the Australian national show and sale earlier in the year, where we achieved a first and third place with the two heifers entered, Mistletoe will again feature our females in this challenge.
“Mistletoe has been working hard promoting its herd for nearly three decades. By extensive use of AI the Mistletoe herd has put itself continually at the front of the line producing animals that are polled with good fat cover, great yield and easy to handle.”
Mr O’Connor said having a respected judge like Mr Green critiquing the animals provided a welcome outsider’s view.
"The challenge also means that people who see your animals will talk about them to other breeders and that you will hear and see what other breeders are achieving from all around the state.“
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