After having an amazing experience attending the EKKA (Royal Queensland Show) last year, we decided to attend again in 2024.
This year we took six students – Marcus Wythes, Fraser Gill, Laura Moorhead, Isabella Irvine, Teagan Chapman and Grace Moore along with six animals.
We left on Saturday for a very long trip – stopping overnight at Goondawind Showground. We all set our swags up under the stars and got up early to do the final leg of the trip into Brisbane.
All steers (and students) traveled well. We unloaded and went to weigh in on Sunday afternoon. We were very pleased with how we weighed; most of the animals didn’t lose too much weight on the trip.
On Monday, we had our Junior Parader competitions – unlike the Sydney Royal; all students can compete in the Junior Paraders. All students paraded exceptionally well, with Marcus Wythes being selected to be in the final.
Marcus won the final, being awarded Champion Intermediate Parader. He then went out for the Grand Champion class and was chosen as the Champion Parader for the 2024 EKKA. This is a huge achievement, with over 240 students competing. Congratulations Marcus.
Next, we had our Junior Judging competition. Our team of Marcus, Fraser, and Grace looked amazing. Fraser represented the team in the oral speech section, and we were very proud.
The Junior Heifer and Junior Steer classes were on Tuesday. Our Square Meater heifer, Bambi, looked amazing, bred by the Kirk family and prepared by Isabella. She was paraded beautifully and was awarded third place in a tough class. Our junior steer, Thumper, also looked fantastic. Laura Moorhead paraded him with calmness and professionalism, but unfortunately, he wasn’t selected by the judge.
The open classes were on Wednesday – we were blown away when a College-bred steer, fondly named Donald, was awarded Reserve Champion Heavyweight Steer!
Our animals that won ribbons were then auctioned—it was a very exciting time when Donald sold for $15 per kg. The animals were then trucked out, and we packed up and ventured home. Yet again, it was another successful show and a lot of fun along the way.
We could not do what we do without some special people. Many thanks to the Kirk family for their continual support not only in supplying us with top quality cattle but for also attending the show with us. Thanks to Andrew Gill who drove up with us and helped in so many ways. Thanks to Bruce Inwood who does so much behind the scenes for us! Thanks to the College for supporting this program.
Mrs Libby Dawes, Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian
