The Oxford 21-year-old won the junior herdsperson title at the 2013 show, and was awarded one of four scholarships to travel to the Sydney Royal Easter Show earlier this year, to ''watch, learn and compete''.
''Attending the show in Sydney was such a great experience. I competed in the youth events, including the state judging final. Though I couldn't place, due to being a Kiwi, I would have placed fifth out of 30 competitors. ''I had a great time over there and saw some exceptional cattle. I also came home with some great ideas for the youth programmes in New Zealand.''
Miss Davies started showing cattle when she was in year 12 at Rangiora High School. She is now a third-year bachelor of agricultural science student at Lincoln University and her passion for the hobby has grown. ''Showing beef cattle is certainly a different hobby, but one I enjoy. Preparation starts long before the show, when you break the cattle in and teach them to lead with the halter. We wash, blow dry, clip and prep the cattle before the show and do the final touch-ups at the show.
''I do it because I love it. Cattle are total characters and, much like people, they have their own personalities. You learn their quirks and they become part of the family. ''Showing also teaches you about stockmanship [where and how they move in relation to the handler], feeding, animal health and responsibility.''
She said showing cattle offered great networking opportunities and the chance to make lifelong friends. She also had the opportunity to compete at other big events like the World Angus Forum and Future Beef NZ.
She ''absolutely'' recommends that other young people enter the Canterbury A&P Show and try out for the Lady Diana Isaac Scholarship. She advised potential competitors to make the most of the opportunity. ''It's one of the best opportunities I've had. For young people coming into the game, they need to know it's hard work, but not to be discouraged.
''Take every opportunity to go talk to people, look at cattle, judge cattle, handle cattle and get your show skills up to speed. Even if you just want to compete for fun, I would still recommend getting out there and practising your skills. ''It's something I seriously push for in my New Zealand Young Farmers club and with any other young people I talk to.''
Four Lady Diana Isaac Scholarships are awarded annually at the Canterbury A&P Show, one each in junior herdsperson, junior dairy stock judging, junior beef stock judging and the New Zealand Young Judges Championship (sheep).
The scholarship is open to competitors aged between 17 and 24 years at July 1, 2014. Winners receive $1000 to travel and compete at the 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show. The New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association is running a seminar and competition at the Canterbury Agricultural Park on Sunday, October 12, for any aspiring young judges.