Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Harris only entered her first cattle-parading competition in 2025. A little over a year later, she represented 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. In August 2026, she competed against some of Australia’s best young cattle handlers at the Agricultural Shows Australia National Championships at the Ekka.
RFTTEJOBS.com and the Ringers From The Top End Group, RFTTE.com, were proud to support Alyssa on this exciting step in her agricultural journey.
August 2026 update: Alyssa takes on the Ekka
Alyssa has now competed at the 2026 National Cattle Parading Championships at the Ekka, proudly representing the Northern Territory.
While she didn’t place, simply reaching the national stage was a tremendous achievement, especially as the Ekka was only Alyssa’s third-ever cattle show.
“What an incredible experience the Ekka was! While I didn’t place in the actual competition, being only my third-ever show, I’m really proud of how well I competed and how much I’ve learnt along the way.
“It was such a great opportunity to learn more about all the different beef show breeds, meet so many new people and compete alongside some of the best in the country, all of whom absolutely deserved to be there.
“I had the best time and I’m already looking forward to hopefully making my way back to Nationals again!
“A huge thank you to Simon from RFTTE for all of your support and encouragement throughout this journey. It means so much to have people behind me who believe in what I’m doing.”
From entering her first cattle-parading competition in 2025 to representing the NT at the Ekka in only her third show, Alyssa has plenty to be proud of.
Well done, Alyssa. You gave it a red-hot crack and did the Top End proud!
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.
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.
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.
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 did you prepare for the National Championships?
I gained 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 practised by leading the show cattle at school. I also watched plenty of videos and read about my fellow competitors, who I was definitely excited to meet.
My biggest challenge was going to be not knowing the cow or steer I would be handling and having very little time to prepare it and learn how it behaved.
When did you compete at the Ekka, and who was there supporting you?
I competed on Friday, 7 August. My grandparents and my mum came to support me.
What were you most looking forward to about the Ekka?
I was definitely looking forward to going to the Ekka and experiencing a big show like that. It was completely different to Darwin and the other shows held in the Northern Territory.
I was 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 scared me a little knowing I was competing in such a huge competition, but it really meant a lot to me.
I love showing cattle, and it was 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, becoming the Northern Territory’s State Champion Parader and then representing the NT at the National Championships.
The Ekka was a big step up. Alyssa had limited time to get to know an unfamiliar animal before heading into the ring against some of Australia’s best young cattle paraders.
She may not have placed this time, but reaching Nationals in only her third cattle show was a tremendous achievement. More importantly, she gave it her best, learnt plenty, met some great people and came away determined to make it back again.
RFTTEJOBS.com and the entire Ringers From The Top End community are very proud of Alyssa for having a go and representing the Northern Territory on the national stage.
Well done, Alyssa. You gave it a red-hot crack and did the Top End proud!
