Speckle Park International magazine - 2022 edition
Youth
Young Gun profile: Ruby Canning Tell us a little bit about yourself (photography business, family farm etc). My name is Ruby Canning and I’m the photographer behind Mavstar Photography, specialising in livestock and rural family photography. I offer on-farm portrait sessions, and fine art prints. I have recently graduated from the University of New England with a Bachelor of Business (major in marketing). Along with my family we own and operate Mavstar Simmentals. I am employed full time by Outcross Agri-services, an Australian precision livestock management company. Mavstar Simmentals was established in 2001 based on genetics from my grandparents’ stud, Maverick Simmentals. Annually we sell seedstock and show our cattle throughout southern Australia. My experience as a livestock breeder informs my photographic work: I have unique insights into exactly what kind of images livestock producers need in order to obtain an outstanding result in the marketplace. My upbringing on the land allows me to understand the beauty of a lifestyle that has hardship, challenges and many blessings intertwined. My photographs capture a moment in time, which reflects a timeless memory. In addition to my involvement within the Simmental breed I am an active Angus Youth Member, and I am part of their Youth Consultative Committee. Angus Australia has provided me with endless opportunities over the years which I will forever be grateful for.
How did you get into judging cattle? Did you compete in junior judging competitions?
Have you had the chance to judge any Speckle Park cattle? If so where and what were they like? I have judged Speckle Parks at Bathurst Royal when I was judging there with my Mum & Dad in 2016. Whilst I love my Simmentals, I admire all breeds for their attributes and their ability to contribute to our Australian Beef Industry. I haven’t judged too many Speckle Parks, but I have photographed many!
Do you think judging has helped you personally with confidence and/or increased your confidence in selecting animals? Yes, most certainly! Growing up, I would always spend hours on end with family out in the paddock picking our next show team or deciding which cows to include in our Artificial Insemination and Embryo programs. As my knowledge grew and my confidence increased, I began to judge cattle on what I believed their contribution would be to our Australian beef industry, or within a specific breeding program. If you have knowledge of the industry, and what contributes to a successful breeding program I believe it increases confidence when judging cattle.
What are your goals for the future?
I have grown up in the beef industry, and I always been passionate about breeding outstanding cattle. Naturally I followed in my parents and my Pa’s footsteps of judging cattle. I began competing in junior judging competitions when I was eight-years-old, I competed at many youth shows, agricultural shows and at multiple Angus Youth Roundups. When I won Champion Sub Intermediate Judge and Herdsperson at the 2012 Angus Roundup where my steers also won Champion & Reserve Steer, that was the kickoff of my judging career. That year I was the Associate Judge at the Red Angus National Show and Sale, Melbourne Royal Show (Simmentals) and at Geelong Royal Show. 2012 was a big year, filled with opportunities but it was also the same year my beloved Pa passed away.
I adore our Simmental cattle, and a goal of mine is to continue running and expanding our family stud Mavstar Simmentals, along with growing my photography business.I would love to get back overseas at some stage again! Ideally back to Canada and America to see family and to continue to diversify our cattle genetics. Continue to volunteer and give back to organisations and committees that have helped me get to where I am today, such as Angus Youth.
From 2012 onwards, I gained many Associate Judge positions alongside my Dad in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. I always love judging with my Dad, it is so special. As time went on, I was invited to be an over judge at shows across Australia, and I took on each one with gratitude. I believe it is an honour to be asked to judge cattle anywhere. My proudest accolade recently was judging at Beef Australia alongside my Dad this year. We judged the Fleckvieh breed, it was an honour to judge at such a prestigious event with Dad.
1. Be yourself well presented and be content with your animal – Whenever I judge junior paraders competitions I always love seeing kids being themselves, having fun and enjoying the time in the ring. I am so glad I enjoyed the time I had competing in paraders and junior judging competitions, because I am nearly 25, and that time has certainly flown! Being content with your animal is important I believe, go in relaxed and calm, and you’re setting yourself up for success.
What’s your favourite memory of a junior event?
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Ruby Canning has always had a passion for rural livestock and family photography. Images Mavstar Photography
I grew up showing cattle with my family, and I shared a special bond with my grandfather Peter Schembri (Principal of Maverick Simmentals). For many years I attended the Melbourne Stud Beef Handlers Camp with him, we always took a team of heifers. Pa was an instructor there. I remember one demonstration involved him teaching kids how to make halters out of nothing but bailing twine. He would show them the plaiting pattern, how to create the loops and then put together a fully functional halter. He used to get me to help, I always loved that. No matter which show, or event I was at, my favourite memories are always with my Pa. Before Pa’s passing one of the last things we did together was make a halter out of bailing twine, I still have cherish it today. In 2016 I was awarded National Champion Beef Cattle Parader, this will always be a beloved memory of mine also.
What would be your best 3 hot tips when participating in junior events whether it’s paraders or judging?
2. Showmanship – Paraders to me is so much more than leading an animal around the ring. Be courteous of the people in front of you, and behind you in the ring. It is not just about yourself, it is about your animal, how you maintain your presence and display showmanship. Be kind to other competitors because you never know you may need their help one day. 3. You can learn something from everyone – Say hello and talk to everyone and ask for help if you are unsure on something. My final bit of wisdom would be when going into any situation (or class) be positive, and confident within yourself. Know the value of hard work and be appreciative of the people that have helped you get to where you are.
