The Earl of Stradbroke Cup
The Earl of Stradbroke Cup was first awarded in 1924.
A governor who favoured the Red Polled breed
Described as knowledgeable about farming, education, ex-servicemen and economic development, the Earl of Stradbroke was appointed Governor of Victoria from 1921 - 1926. The Governor was actively engaged with the community and travelled around the state and country taking an interest in various matters including agriculture.
Lord Stradbroke had an estate in England where he was reputed to have a fine herd which had won many prizes. Speaking at Sale, Victoria 'he emphasised the wisdom of securing the best animals. He mentioned that he had always favoured the Red Polled breed, of which there were two distinct strains or types — the milking and the beef. His object had been to unite the two, and thus obtain high class, general utility animals — deep milking heifers, and steers which could be fed up and would mature rapidly. With that end in view he used beef producing bulls alternately with those from milking herds, and in his district that was now a popular policy. (Weekly Times 23 March 1921, p. 10)
The Governor was a judge at the Royal Melbourne Show
In 1924 the Governor agreed to judge ‘the Red Polled cattle’ section at the Royal Melbourne Show. To encourage breeders to keep developing their Red Poll herds the Governor presented a silver cup for competition in this section.
Who wins this trophy?
The cup was awarded to 'the owner of the cow which in the opinion of the judges most nearly approaches perfection in the dual-purpose characteristics.’
Mandy Bede