Demos a hit at Seymour expo

“We were a little bit down on last year, but we had no poultry pavilion this year because of avian influenza, so that affected our numbers a bit, as well as the current economy — we expected it to be a little bit down this year,” Ms Smiles said

“It wasn’t by much but not quite the numbers we usually get.”

Numbers may have been down, but the weather was great, with clear skies and warm temperatures in the low 20s for most of the event, which ran from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6.

“Weather-wise, it was lovely,” Ms Smiles said.

“Sunday was a little overcast, but we still had great temperatures and the rain held off.

“It was perfect temperature to be walking around.”

She said that one of the highlights of the weekend was the demonstrations that spread across the full three days.

“All of the demonstrations were really well received,” she said.

“Particularly, this year, OzSort was a hit with their equine cattle sorting demonstrations.

“They actually did some this year with what they call ‘tiny trots’ — they had little children demonstrating their skill and learning how to do it.”

She also said the Beloka Kelpies working dog demos were a hit.

Ms Smiles said although the event was an overall success, with attendees and exhibitors alike getting enjoyment out of the weekend.

“It went fabulous, even though the numbers were down, everyone’s spirits were high,” she said.

“I think it brings so much to Seymour, and the locals are so welcoming and helpful.”

One of the exhibitors was Atriem Murray Greys in Tallarook, and Gemma Koch, 14, was there to answer any questions.

“We’ve got our yearling bulls here, and they’ve come from a herd of 12 at our home property,” Gemma said.

“We also have here two yearling heifers, which come from our property, probably a herd of about 25.”

Growing up on the family farm, she has a breadth of knowledge about the processes and goals her family live by.

“We breed for carcase quality and temperament,” she said.

Being locals to the area, they come to the Seymour expo yearly, having it as a staple on their calendar.

“It’s been good so far, there's been quite a few people interested,” Gemma said.

“This is our main event each year because it's local, and my dad, Stephen Koch, he’s really involved in it and does daily talks about cattle and demonstrations in the handling yards.”