Cattle numbers were upstaged, however, by a record 110 entries from junior cattle enthusiasts, mostly agricultural students from Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Chatham and Wingham High School.

Chief beef cattle steward Denis McKinnon said "it is a tribute to our Society that a lot of exhibitors chose Wingham to give their cattle a final 'hit out' before competing at Sydney Royal Easter Show and this made for a very high standard competition".

"It's been a long time", Denis added, "since we have had such a large spectator gallery lining the judging ring which certainly endorses the long held belief that Wingham stages a true country agriculture show.

"A feature of the cattle event was securing the return of the prestigious Junior Paraders Zone Qualifying Final for entry to this years Royal Easter Show," said Denis.

"It is the dream and aspirations of any junior cattle enthusiast to showcase their talents and agricultural excellence by being able to compete at the Royal Easter Show".

Denis made special mention of Show secretary Raelene Marshall who he said "was solely responsible for securing the event for Wingham after a very long absence. Her professional, persuavive presentation in the face of strong opposition is a characteristic of her dedication to the Show Society.

Supreme Beef Exhibit: Lowline, Michael Saunders - Mondrook. 

Champion Led Steer: Wingham High School.

Champion Junior Judge: Haley Brood, Wingham High School.

Champion Herdsperson: Nikita Gallagher from Wingham.

Nikita Gallagher also qualified for the Junior Judging at the Royal Easter Show.