FARMING runs through Ruby Canning’s veins.
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At 16-years-old, Ruby has already accomplished a lot in the Australian beef industry. She is a junior beef judging state champion, has been an associate judge at a national show and co-owns a stud – just to name a few.
Ruby’s family has been breeding Simmental cattle for six generations at Mortlake, Victoria.
The year 11 Ballarat Grammar student has turned her focus to judging cattle at shows across Australia. She recently won the South Australian junior beef judging state title at the Royal Adelaide Show.
“I have been into judging for quite a while. I wanted to compete in another state. Being a Victorian in South Australia I didn’t think I would win so I was excited. It was my first time over there,” Ruby said.
Ruby’s career highlight includes being the youngest associate judge at the Red Angus National Show in Dubbo in 2012 – a task she enjoyed but found a “little stressful”.
When she is at home in Mortlake, Ruby and her brother run a stud called Mavstar Simmentals.
“We have 30 head between my brother and I. It’s a good feeling (co-owning the stud),” Ruby said.
Back in Ballarat, Ruby recently won the Rising Star Award in the Ballarat and Rural Achievers Award, which she did not expect.
“It was really exciting because I didn’t win the award I was running for. It was really nice I was acknowledged for the things I have achieved as well as for the industry,” she said.
She said she found inspitation from her late grandfather.
“My pa was my hero. He started me out with the cattle,” Ruby said.
“It’s nice to follow in his footsteps.”
Ruby hopes she can send a message to other young people to consider joining the beef industry.
“Some societies are doing a good job in encouraging young people (in agriculture). Others need to push it a lot. If there are older people who push it, it would be better,” Ruby said.
“There is so much potential for youth in agriculture.”