STUDENTS from St Johns College, Dubbo have returned from the Brisbane Royal Show (or Ekka) with a number of significant ribbons from competitions in the beef cattle handling and judging events.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Major awards received by St Johns include champion led heifer, reserve champion heavyweight open steer and first in the schools' lightweight category.
More than 300 entries competed in the hoof and hook competition - making it one of the nation's leading prime cattle shows.
Agriculture coordinator at the school, Ben Toll said the extra curricula activity was a unique opportunity for students to compete at interstate level against some of the best competitors in Australia.
Students also obtained agricultural packages which contained potential employment and tertiary studying opportunities.
He said the students also gained a much better understanding of the beef cattle industry in Australia, including breeds and their attributes, market specifications, nutritional requirements and livestock handling techniques. They also develop team work, time management, organisational and communication skills.
The school also organised and dontated a perpetual shield, manufactured and donated by local businesses Kitchen Creations and Granny's house to be presented to the Brisbane Royal Show Committee to be awarded to the champion led school steer.
Mr Toll described the shield as becoming an important historical record of school achievements.
Sponsors, community support and parent involvement continue to be major contributing factors to the ongoing success of the college livestock exhibition team and a big thankyou must be extended to all involved, he said.
"Particular mention must go to our major sponsors who include Steve Bentick representing Feedrite Livestock Nutrition Services; Brett Littler, DPI beef cattle officer; Joe Cornish, Whylandra Partnership; Kim Williams, Polldale Shorthorns; Terry Williams, Terra Shorthorn stud, Landmark Dubbo; Dean Walton Rural, and Pfizer Animal Health Care," Mr Toll said.