Katie Tisdell wins ribbons at Queensland Royal Show and has turned her talents to egg judging

The 11-year-old has secured a host of accolades, achievements and acknowledgements since picking up more awards at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Katie took her super eggs to the Queensland Royal Show (or Ekka) where she claimed the trifecta with her brown eggs as well as first and second place with her bantam white eggs.

She also received a second place for her mixed plate and reserve champion for the best overall poultry eggs. 

The eggs were taken from her Hy-line brown and Ancona bantam hens.

This was the first time Katie entered the show.

“I enjoyed the new venue, judges, atmosphere and people,” Katie said.

Katie’s dad Peter said the Tisdell family has a long tradition of taking their talents to Queensland.

Honorary council steward of the poultry event Owen Glover made mention of the family when he presented Katie with her awards.

“The Tisdell family need no introduction to the poultry pavilion,” Mr Glover said.

“They have had a long association, from Katie’s late grandfather Clem and her uncles Barry Tisdell and Garnett Wamsley.”

Peter highlighted the rarity of having strong performances in the open egg competition at Royal Shows in different States.

“I don’t think it’s ever been done in the open egg competition before,” Peter said. 

The inquisitive youngster is now set to turn her attention to egg judging.

Katie has already picked up tips from three of the most experienced and respected judges in Australia; Victoria’s Neil Penny and Megg Miller as well as Adelaide’s Mary Scruby.

And it’s egg-actly what she wants to do. 

“You look for the perfect shape and colour of the egg, the yolk colour, how the yolk is supported to the position of the egg and if it’s good for eating,” Katie said.

“It’s the whole procedure of what makes the perfect show egg.”

If that hasn’t kept her busy, Katie made an appearance on Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens program in July.

“I showed Dr Harry how I prepare for a show,” Katie said.

Katie hoped she had made an impression on the veteran veterinarian with her breeding techniques. 

“Also with my cooking,” she smiled.

Earlier this year, Katie was recognised in State Parliament by Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead for her efforts at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

Mr Bromhead mentioned she comes from a long line of hen breeders and noted her achievements.

She also received a plaque and official letter from Mr Bromhead.

For the super eggs to be hatched, Katie feeds her hens a mix of Laucke Mills stockfeed, Drury stockfeed, green feed, vitamins, minerals and a blend of DSM nutrients.

But that’s not all it takes to breed a champion chook. 

“I spend a lot of time with them with lots of love and care,” Katie said.

“It all makes for a happy hen.”

She hoped to encourage others, regardless of experience, to enter local poultry shows.