Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Harris only entered her first cattle-parading competition in 2025. A little over a year later, she is preparing to represent the Northern Territory on the national stage at the Ekka in Brisbane.
Alyssa earned the opportunity after being named the 2025 State Champion Parader at the Royal Darwin Show. This August, she will compete against some of Australia's best young cattle handlers at the 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Championships at the Ekka.
RFTTEJOBS.com and the Ringers From The Top End Group, RFTTE.com, are proud to support Alyssa as she takes this exciting next step in her agricultural journey.
Alyssa Harris discovered a love of cattle parading after entering her first competition in 2025.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first became involved with cattle and agriculture?
My name is Alyssa Harris, I am 17 years old and I grew up in the rural area of Darwin in the Northern Territory.
I first became properly involved in agriculture when I started high school at Taminmin College.
In Year 8, I chose agriculture as an elective and learnt about crop farming. In Year 9, I studied agriculture again, learning about goats and getting the opportunity to show them at the Freds Pass Rural Show and Royal Darwin Show.
In Year 10, I completed my Certificate I in Agriculture, where I first learnt how to halter-break and show Brahman cattle.
In Year 11, I completed my Certificate II in Agriculture. That was when I competed in cattle showing for the first time at the Freds Pass Rural Show and Royal Darwin Show, where I became the State Champion Parader.
I am now completing my Certificate III in Agriculture and expect to finish it this year.
Alyssa grew up in rural Darwin and began studying agriculture at Taminmin College.
What inspired you to enter your first cattle-parading competition?
I began competing in 2025 through my Certificate II in Agriculture class. We all had the opportunity to show the cows and young bulls we had halter-broken.
What I enjoyed most was simply being able to show cattle. It was definitely a memorable experience, and I fell in love with it very quickly.
Preparing and presenting cattle safely requires patience, confidence and close attention to the animal.
What do you remember about becoming the State Champion Parader?
I remember winning my first paraders class on an extremely hot day. I then went on to compete against the other finalists from previous shows and the Royal Darwin Show.
When I made it through to the final round, I remember the judge announcing my name as the State Champion Parader.
There were definitely a few things running through my mind!
My first thought was that it was finally over and I could sit in the shade and enjoy some water.
I then called my parents to let them know we would be going on a trip so I could compete on the national stage. They were definitely very excited and proud.
Alyssa's 2025 State Champion Parader win secured her place representing the Northern Territory on the national stage.
What is cattle parading, and what are the judges looking for?
Cattle parading is also known as the handlers class. It is mostly about the competitor rather than the animal.
The judge looks at how safely you position yourself and handle your animal. They also consider how you present yourself and the animal, including the preparation of the animal, the way you are dressed and your attitude towards both the animal and the judge.
They will be watching for confidence in the ring and how well you handle your animal.
Competitors also need to know how to set up their animal properly, including standing it square for the judge.
How are you preparing for the National Championships?
I am gaining sponsorship and donations to help me get to the Ekka because there is so much that comes with an opportunity like this that people do not always talk about.
I am practising by leading the show cattle at school. I am also watching plenty of videos and reading about my fellow competitors, who I am definitely excited to meet.
My biggest challenge will be not knowing the cow or steer I will be handling and having very little time to prepare it and learn how it behaves.
When will you compete at the Ekka, and who will be there supporting you?
I am competing on Friday, 7 August. My grandparents and my mum are coming to support me.
What are you most looking forward to about the Ekka?
I am definitely looking forward to going to the Ekka and experiencing a big show like that. It will be completely different to Darwin and the other shows held in the Northern Territory.
I am also very excited to meet some new people in the cattle-showing industry.
Where would you like agriculture to take you after school?
I am looking towards a government traineeship in agriculture, which all my certificates will help me pursue.
The other career I am considering is working on a cattle property or station.
Who has helped and mentored you along the way?
Definitely all my trainers, Sarah, Priscilla and Bek.
They have all played a big part in getting me to where I am today.
The best advice they have given me is to always be confident, never give up on myself or my animal, and to have patience.
What difference does sponsorship and community support make?
Sponsorship and community support play a big part in opportunities like this.
While most things are covered on trips like this, there is still so much more that comes with attending and competing. Any support helps a lot.
What does representing the Northern Territory mean to you?
It definitely scares me a little knowing I am competing in such a huge competition, but it really means a lot to me.
I love showing cattle, and it will be a great opportunity and experience regardless of the outcome.
To other young people who want a career in agriculture or are considering cattle showing, I say do it. It is definitely the best decision I have ever made, and I wouldn't change it for the world!
Backing the next generation of agriculture
Alyssa’s story is a great example of where having a go and getting involved in agriculture can take you.
She also had the confidence to contact us at RFTTEJOBS.com and ask for support. That sort of initiative and thinking outside the box is exactly what I like to see, and we were only too happy to help with some financial support and a bit of RFTTE gear!
What started as an agriculture elective at Taminmin College led to showing goats, learning to halter-break Brahman cattle and eventually becoming the Northern Territory’s State Champion Parader.
The National Championships will be a big step up. Alyssa will have limited time to get to know an unfamiliar animal before heading into the ring against some of Australia’s best young cattle paraders.
But with her trainers, family and community behind her, along with plenty of determination, I’m sure she’ll give it a red-hot crack.
RFTTEJOBS.com and the entire Ringers From The Top End community are proud to support Alyssa on her journey from rural Darwin to the National Championship Ring.
Good luck at the Ekka, Alyssa. The Top End will be cheering you on!
