Ekka 2012 Information Guide

Beef Cattle ExperienceSpeak to the experts with beef cattle farmers on handproviding details on different cuts, fat layers and what’sinvolved in raising beef cattle. Water Buffalo will join five otherbreeds of cattle on display—South Devon, Brahman, Simbrah,Limousin and Dexter. The beef superintendent, breeders andstudents will conduct special presentations six times daily.Live Shearing DemonstrationsCome and see what old-style shearing looks like withprofessionals displaying hand shearing along with new, easiershearing techniques including electric shears. Turn back timein the RACQ Insurance Animal Nursery shearing shed.PoultryFor 10 days visitors to Ekka can take a peek at the weird andwonderful flock on display in the Poultry, Pigeons, Birds andEggs Pavilion, as well as view chickens, turkeys, cage birds,geese, ducks, pigeons, hatchlings and eggs. Come along andsee the poultry judging commencing from opening day.Little Miracles Newborn CornerThe Little Miracles Newborn Corner was the birthplace of 86baby lambs last year and will return for its fourth year to giveEkka-goers a glimpse of the miracle of birth. “Ekka ewes” aregiven a secure and safe, purpose-built facility that includestwo pre-birth holding pens, a pre-birth pen, delivery room,post birth/ICU and newborn corner to birth their lambs. Thereis also an open pen dedicated for lambs, only hours old, andtheir mothers to show spectators the continued bondingprocess. The RACQ Insurance Little Miracles Newborndocumentary, an RNA/QUT collaboration, is also helpful forEkka visitors after a quick snapshot of the ewes’ journey. QUTfilm students have documented a timeline of events includingpairing the ewes and rams, ultrasounds, travelling to the Ekka,moving into their new Ekka homes and the first Ekka births.Feline Breed Talks—Animal BoulevardIf you’re a cat lover make sure you don’t miss out on the FelineBreed Talks taking place over five days at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.Featuring 22 breeds over the course of the Ekka, find yourbest matched companion in the Animal Boulevard.Special Events…World Cup Showjumping QualifierSome of Australia’s best horses and best riders will competefor more than $7,000 in cash and prizes in the World CupShowjumping Qualifier at the Ekka. World-class entrants willbe centre stage in the ENERGEX Community Arena kickingoff the night time entertainment on B105 People’s Day(Wednesday August 15 from 5pm). Riding a course designedby one of Australia’s best John Vallance, this high-flying sportwill have everyone on the edge of their seats.Thoroughbred DayBringing all the glitz and glamour Thoroughbred Dayon August 14 showcases the beauty and versatility ofthoroughbred horses. Returning to the Ekka for its sixth year,this unique, day-long event offers almost $30,000 in cashand prizes and the title of Supreme Champion Thoroughbred.The horses won’t be the only one on show with celebritystylist Joh Bailey joining the judging panel. Men and womenwill wear formal race attire as they lead their horses on thearena with each winner receiving a $250 prize.Ekka Media Kit 2012 21