Twenty-four members of our Cattle Team, along with twelve head of cattle, travelled to Scone in Week 2 to compete at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza.
Our team exhibited three heifers and nine steers, kindly bred by the Kirk family, Trojan Shorthorns and Rosedale Charolais.
Friday was devoted to weighing, washing and educational workshops. Judging took place on Saturday and began strongly with both Kirk-bred heifers placing second and third in a large class of prime heifers. One of these, prepared by Chelsea Hall and Tara Matthews, went on to be awarded Reserve Champion Prime Heifer.
Success continued in the steer ring, with our Speckle steer “Freckle” (prepared by Annabelle Webb and Heidi Matthews and led expertly by Annabelle) winning his lightweight class before going on to be named Lightweight Champion. All but two of our remaining steers placed in the top six of their respective classes — an outstanding achievement given there were over 450 steers competing.
Junior Paraders then took place on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with almost 750 competitors.
Congratulations to Jack Reid for winning his heat, and to the following students for placing in their heats:
- 2nd: Olive Moppett, Fraser Wythes, Annabelle Webb
- 3rd: Olivia Jakob, Marcus Stanley, Eloise Davies
- 4th: Charli Raynolds
Junior Judging followed, with over 150 students in most age divisions. The top six were required to deliver an oral justification — often a daunting task.
Scots All Saints students dominated, with Olive Moppett, Georgie Berry, Fraser Wythes, Marcus Stanley and Archie Milgate all selected to speak. All performed extremely well, with special congratulations to Olive Moppett, who won her age group.
This show continues to provide an invaluable opportunity for our younger students to step into leadership. With the event limited to Year 10 and under, it was pleasing to see students work collaboratively and take initiative.
Special mention to Fraser Wythes, Marcus Stanley, Lachlan Hooper and Hugh Cleton for leading the fitting team to such a professional standard and for mentoring others.
Congratulations also to Jack Reid, Heidi Matthews and Chelsea Hall, who have been selected as “Red Shirters” for the new season commencing next week.
Our sincere thanks to Laura Kirk for her outstanding support across the four days, to prac teacher Kate Loudon for her assistance, and to the Kirk family, Trent Johnstone (Trojan Shorthorns) and Mick Milner (Rosedale Charolais) for the privilege of preparing such high-quality cattle.
We now look forward to the release of the carcase results next week.
Mrs Libby Dawes
Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian
