The 8th annual Livestock Handling Cup, held at Sandfire Roadhouse on 11–12 September 2025, brought together 18 teams from across the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
Over 100 competitors, sponsors, and supporters attended the two-day showcase of skill, knowledge, and teamwork in low-stress cattle handling, the largest event of its kind in northern Australia.
Hosted by the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association (KPCA), the Cup continues to build the capability of WA’s stockmen and women while reinforcing industry-wide best practice in animal welfare.
KPCA CEO Bron Christensen said, “The Livestock Handling Cup highlights the incredible skill and professionalism of the next generation of northern pastoralists. The way these young stock crew care for their animals and support each other is inspiring, and it sets a benchmark for the future of our industry. We are proud to see such commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and animal welfare.”
Day one featured a full program of presentations and workshops on animal health, genetics, leadership, and low-stress stock handling, including insights from leading industry practitioners. Attendees also took part in concurrent workshops covering vaccination, supplementation strategies, and hands-on leather skills, each walking away with a new leather belt they made.
Day two saw competitors demonstrate both practical and theoretical stock handling skills under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel.
This year’s Cup judges included Joni Hall, Ken Tarlinton and Chris Henggeler, with Neil Earl from Cowaramup Agencies overseeing the multiple-choice knowledge component.
2025 Results
The 2025 Cup once again showcased outstanding teamwork and excellence in livestock management. This year was highly competitive with first place awarded on a countback of scores.
• 1st Place: Yarrie Station “Sunny Boy Contracting” – Jarrad Symes, Charlotte Riseborough, Geordie Sawyer
• 2nd Place: Liveringa Station “Hard to Say”- Oscar Halford, Georgia Henderson, Katie Kerby
• 3rd Place: Fossil Downs Station “Bovine Relocation Experts” – Justin May, Miya McMillan, Marcus Pearce
• Highly Commended: Yarrie Station “Dusty Dames and Dam Yank” – Cal Wold, Imogen Vince, Jen Colditz
• Encouragement Award: Kalyeeda Station “Across the Ditch” – Lucy Griffith, Danielle Houlahan, Fraser Caseley
• Kachana Award: Sophie McIntyre – Anna Plains Station” (presented by Chris Henggeler, Kachana Station)
• Rising Rookie Award: Zach Lynton – Anna Plains Station (presented by Joni Hall, JR Hall Stock Contracting)
Bron Christensen added: “The Cup is about more than competition. It’s about capacity building, knowledge sharing, and investing in the people who will lead our industry into the future. The enthusiasm and dedication on display this year show just how strong that future is.”