This article originally appeared on BegaDistrictNews.com.au
A true stalwart of the rural show movement, Jim Salway was recently awarded for his 60 years of contribution to the Cobargo Show Society.
The society thanked Jim as he retires as head steward of the dairy section of the Cobargo Show. But more than thanks, the society also presented him with the RAS of NSW Agricultural Show Medal and the Agricultural Society Council of NSW Medallion and Certificate of Appreciation.
Jim Salway has displayed outstanding dedication to the Cobargo Show Society. He joined in 1959 when he was 15, his passion being Jersey cows. In later years Jim took to the Holsteins as well.
At the Cobargo Show, Jim has been ever-present in the dairy ring where he has been an exhibitor of his fine cattle for most of this time, as well as a ring steward for many years.
Behind the scenes, Jim attends the working bees, being a strong supporter of the many improvements to the grounds. Throughout the years Jim has remained extremely passionate and is an inspiration to, and a strong supporter of, youth who will “have a go”.
Jim and his family have successfully shown at all district shows as well as the Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne Royals. One highlight was his beautiful cow “Glencraig Prince Interest” winning Supreme Champion Dairy Cow at the 2005 Royal Easter Show. He also won the Champion Jersey Juvenile Heifer on two occasions at International Dairy Week.
His great knowledge of dairy cattle has taken him to many shows as a judge – all over Victoria, the North Coast, the Sydney Royal, Brisbane National, Canberra Royal and International Dairy Week in Victoria.
Jim was awarded life membership of Cobargo Show Society in 2004. He has received (from Jersey Australia) the Distinguished Service Award for Jersey Breeding. In 2014 he received the very prestigious Lex Bunn Dairy Industry Achievement Award at International Dairy Week (the third biggest dairy show in the world) for showing and encouraging youth to show. In 2018, as a life member of Jersey Australia, Jim was honoured with the naming of the Jim Salway Stand at the Camden Showground.
The Cobargo Show Society recently held a show dinner and presented Jim with his RAS and ASC medallions.
He was very overcome by the recognition, but reminisced about the great times enjoyed while participating in the show movement.