Twenty-two of our Cattle Team students and 12 animals ventured to Scone to compete at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza at the end of Week 2 in Term 4.
We took two heifers and ten steers – some home-bred, whilst others were from the Milner family (Rosedale Charolais) and the Kirk family.
Friday was the educational workshop day, along with weighing and washing day. Our younger students went to a variety of workshops, including working dogs, photography, Nutrien Ag, and understanding how to judge cattle and cattle management. The Year 10 students participated in an interactive workshop looking at how technology can play a role in the agricultural world, helping people come back into the workforce after injury and reducing labour demand.
Saturday was judging day. We were very pleased that one of our home-bred heifers, led by Chelsea Hall, took out First in a very competitive class. Our other heifer, bred by Rosedale Charolais, was awarded a Highly Commended. We had some exceptional steers, and Fraser Gill’s lovely black lightweight bred by the Kirk family won and was awarded Lightweight Champion. All our other steers placed in the top 5 of their classes.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, the students competed in Junior Paraders – along with almost 700 students! Amanda Penfold, Chelsea Hall and Marcus Wythes were all placed first in their heats. Marcus went on to the final, which was a highly competitive final, to say the least. Marcus worked very hard and was finally awarded Champion 16-year-old parade.
This show is always a wonderful show for our younger students to step up into leadership roles. We only take up to Year 10, and it was fabulous to watch the students work as a team. Special mention goes to Fraser Gill, Marcus Wythes, Marcus Stanley, and Hugh Cleton, who really took charge of the ‘fitting’ of the cattle. They did a wonderful and professional job.
We must thank, as always, Laura and Phil Kirk for their amazing help throughout the four days, along with the outstanding cattle they provided us to prepare. Thanks also to Mick Milner from Rosedale Charolais for allowing us to prepare three of their top quality animals.
We are now awaiting the carcase results, which will be released next week.
Mrs Libby Dawes, Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian










