This year, 23 of our dedicated Cattle Team students, accompanied by 27 head of cattle, travelled to Sydney to compete at the prestigious Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Our team proudly represented Years 8 to 12 and showcased a range of breeds including Limousin, Charolais and Simmental. Two of the animals were home-bred at the College, while others were generously supplied by valued supporters, including the Kirk Family, Summit Livestock (Crookwell), Violet Hills Charolais, Rosedale Charolais, Warramunga Charolais, Elberta Limousins, Heart and Spade Simmentals and Goldstein Limousins.
Upon arrival on Monday, students quickly got to work unloading equipment, kindly transported by Bruce Webb, before preparing for the cattle’s overnight arrival.
Tuesday proved to be a huge day, with weighing, scanning and washing of all animals. We were thrilled that nearly all cattle met market specifications. A standout moment came during the Stan Hill Selections, where all three Charolais team representatives were College exhibits – an outstanding achievement.
Wednesday’s Paraders Day saw excellent results. Laura Moorhead represented the College with pride, placing third in a highly competitive class. Several students progressed to the State Final, including Marcus Wythes, Fraser Wythes, Zoe Carter, Matilda Penfold, Amanda Penfold and Hugh Cleton. Special congratulations to Matilda Penfold, who won her heat and competed in the final.
Friday’s judging brought exceptional success, with the College awarded two major broad ribbons:
- Reserve Champion School Steer – Limousin steer bred by the Kirk Family, led by Matilda Penfold
- Champion Lightweight Steer – Charolais steer bred by the Kirk Family, paraded by Laura Kirk
- First place in two out of the four Middleweight Classes.
At the steer auction, the Champion Lightweight Steer topped the sale at an impressive $14.00/kg – marking the second consecutive year the College has achieved this honour.
Sunday morning saw the team up early to prepare cattle for transport, before heading home after an outstanding week.
Our success continued in the carcase competition, with results including:
- Champion School Group of Three Carcases
- Reserve Champion Heavyweight Carcase (Elberta Limousins steer, prepared by Olivia Watts and Ruby Milgate)
- Highest Scoring Simmental and Charolais Carcase
- Multiple first-place finishes, including with home-bred steers
- Winners of the Eve Cullen Memorial Trophy for Most Successful School, a title the College has proudly retained for many years
This year, we introduced a new competition within our team – students were given the task of choosing which three animals from our entire team would score the highest.
Congratulations to Tara Matthews, who took out this award – she will receive a trophy gift at our annual Cattle Team dinner.
We extend our sincere thanks to our generous supporters: Summit Livestock (Hayden and Jasmine Green), the Kirk Family, Elberta Limousins (Alex Said), Rosedale Charolais (Mick Milner), Violet Hills Charolais (Darryl, Kaye and Sean Jenkins), Goldstein Limousins, and Heart and Spade Simmentals (Jess Adams).
A special thank you to Bruce Inwood for his ongoing support and guidance, and to Bruce Webb for transporting our equipment.
Finally, we acknowledge our students and their families – your commitment, hard work and dedication make opportunities like this possible.
Mrs Libby Dawes, Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian
