The 14-year-old St Clare’s student placed first in the intermediate judging in the 2008 Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Heifer Show, held during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

On top of this, the year nine student also gained fourth in intermediate parading and her heifer, Warrigal Lady In Red, placed second in its class – all this in only her second year of competition.

With more than 100 kids competing in the show, Rachel kept her cool.

While judging, Rachel concentrated on the growth, size and structure of the animals put before her and, importantly, studied the way they walked for any irregularities.

Rachel is hoping to follow up her Royal Easter win at Wingham Beef Week.

She will take part in junior judging and parading competitions next Wednesday and the hook and heifer competition next Thursday and Friday.

Last year, Rachel was named Champion Judge and Reserve Champion Parader and she hopes to defend her champion’s title in 2008.

Rachel’s parents are Paul and Janelle Relf of Warrigal Limousin Stud on Dingo Creek, Wingham.

Rachel’s siblings Ryan, 12, and Danielle, 16, are also greatly interested in cattle and have a stud of their own, called Ryradan (a portmanteau word of all the children’s names).

Rachel believes there are lots of benefits to competing in cattle parading and judging.

“You get to meet new people, make new friends and get to know cattle,” Rachel said.

Rachel hopes to continue to learn more about agriculture when she leaves school and is considering studying rural science at university.