A Week of Outstanding Achievement at the Brisbane Royal Show
The Scots All Saints College Cattle Team enjoyed an exceptional week at the 150th Brisbane Royal Show (EKKA), returning home with outstanding individual results and the prestigious title of Most Successful School.
The journey to Brisbane began early on Saturday morning, with the team departing at 6:00 am. Following a few minor technical difficulties, the long journey north began. The team travelled to Millmerran, where the cattle were unloaded at the showgrounds for an overnight rest before continuing to Brisbane the following morning.
Upon arrival at EKKA on Sunday, the cattle were settled into their beds and prepared for the week of competition ahead. All cattle successfully made their nominated weights, providing a positive start to what would be a very busy and successful week.
Monday saw the commencement of competition with the Junior Paraders, attracting approximately 170 competitors. The College students produced an outstanding performance, with Fraser Wythes finishing 3rd, Zoe Carter 4th and Amanda Penfold 7th. Having three competitors finish inside the top seven was an excellent achievement in such a large field.
Tuesday was a particularly successful day, with competition in the Junior Steer and Heifer classes. Zoe’s steer, Goose, placed 3rd in his class, while Amanda’s steer, Rooster, placed 4th. In the heifer classes, Fraser’s heifer, Cougar, placed 3rd, while Matilda’s heifer, Penny, placed 4th.
One of the highlights of the week was the Junior Judging competition, which attracted approximately 150 competitors. Matilda Penfold, Fraser Wythes and Zoe Carter all progressed through to the top 10, an outstanding achievement in such a competitive field.
The College then achieved an exceptional result in the final, with Fraser being named Grand Champion Junior Judge, Matilda finishing 3rd and Zoe 4th. To have three College students finish in the top four was a remarkable result.
The College also achieved excellent results in the carcase competition. Charli Raynolds’ heifer, Phoenix, was awarded Grand Champion Heifer Carcase, while Matilda Penfold’s Penny placed 3rd and Seona Chapman’s Pippy placed 6th. These results highlighted the quality of the cattle and the significant preparation and effort undertaken by the students and staff in the lead-up to EKKA.
Wednesday marked the final day of competition, with Fraser’s steer, Maverick, and Amanda’s steer, Wiggles, competing in the Open Steer judging. The day’s competition concluded with the auction, where the College’s successful place-getters were sold.
Following the completion of competition, the team packed up and began the journey home, travelling to Goondiwindi on Wednesday night before completing the final leg of the journey on Thursday.
The biggest achievement of the week, however, was the announcement that Scots All Saints College had been named Most Successful School at the 150th EKKA.
This prestigious recognition was a reflection of the collective efforts of the entire team. With successful results across Junior Paraders, Junior Judging, steer, heifer and carcass competitions, every student contributed to the College’s overall success. The award was a fitting recognition of the hard work, preparation, commitment and teamwork demonstrated throughout the week and the months preceding the event.
EKKA provided the students with the opportunity to compete against some of the best young cattle handlers and breeders from across the country. The experience involved long days, early mornings, extensive travel and countless hours caring for and preparing cattle, but the outstanding results made the effort incredibly rewarding.
The College would like to extend a sincere thank you to Ray and Ruth Penfold for carting the cattle to Brisbane and supporting the team throughout the trip.
We would also like to thank the Kirk Family for their endless loyalty in providing the College with outstanding animals to exhibit.
The success of the Scots All Saints College Cattle Team at the 150th EKKA is an achievement of which the entire College community can be extremely proud. Congratulations to all students involved on an outstanding week of competition and on bringing home the title of Most Successful School at EKKA.
Mrs Libby Dawes, Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian
Photo credit: Queensland Country Life
