Elizabeth’s legacy lives on

Liz Boughen was a passionate Rosewood cattle breeder and judge, and is honoured each year through the Rosewood Show Elizabeth Boughen Memorial Youth Challenge. Picture: ROSEWOOD SHOW SOCIETY

The Elizabeth Boughen Memorial Youth Challenge will return to the Rosewood Show stud beef section in 2024, raising funds for the PA Research Foundation.

Now in its second year, the Rosewood Show Elizabeth Boughen Memorial Youth Challenge awards a young person for their skill, herdsmanship and enthusiasm.

The challenge is in honour of the late Elizabeth Boughen who passed away suddenly in January 2023, just two days before her 23rd birthday, after a short battle with an autoimmune disease.

Liz was a passionate local cattle breeder and judge, and a previous Rosewood Showgirl.

Elizabeth’s dad Noel Boughen said Liz would be proud to see young people getting involved in stud beef showing and being rewarded for having a go.

“The challenge is all about encouraging kids to have a go,” Mr Boughen said.

“The reason herdsmanship is such an important part of the criteria is so that kids who may not be the most experienced still have a chance to compete and enjoy the day.

“You can compete as an individual or as part of your school group.

“While we wish Liz was still here competing herself, we know she would be honoured the competition in her name is encouraging young people to get involved and rewarding people for trying their best and enjoying being part of stud beef competition and community.”

The competition is being run in conjunction with a fundraiser for the PA Research Foundation.

The PA Research Foundation was chosen as the recipient of this fundraiser as the PA was the hospital where Liz was treated.

The foundation is also investing in research to better understand what causes autoimmune diseases and how to treat them more effectively.

Kicking off at 12pm on Fri 28 June, the challenge is judged on a combination of performance across Young Judges, Young Paraders and herdsmanship.

The individual award is given to the entrant with the highest combined points across the Young Paraders and Young Judges competitions as well as for showing exemplary herdsmanship.

A school prize will also be awarded to the school that wins the most points based on herdsmanship, and the average score of all students across the Young Judges and Paraders competitions.

Herdsmanship is judged on animal welfare, presentation and overall conduct and attitude.

Entries are being accepted right up until Friday 28 June with a $10 entry fee.