Calrossy Cattle Team

Calrossy Cattle Camp 2024

 A Weekend of Learning and Legacy and Courage

Our Tangara farm campus was buzzing with activity and excitement last weekend, February 10th and 11th, as it hosted the much-anticipated annual Cattle Camp. The event saw an impressive turnout, with 26 Year 7 students participating on Saturday and another 15 on Sunday, alongside 18 dedicated members of the cattle team from Years 8 to 12.

The Cattle Camp, now a hallmark event of Calrossy's agricultural education program and the first major event of the season, was especially significant this year as it welcomed back several alumni to share their expertise and passion with the next generation. Emily Taylor, an accomplished past student, led sessions on junior judging, imparting her knowledge on what to look for in competition cattle. Her workshops also provided Year 7 students with a valuable opportunity to practice public speaking, as they learned to articulate their thoughts and observations confidently on the microphone.

The legacy of learning continued with Hannah Thurn (alumni), Georgia Bailey (alumni), and Yasmin Jones (Year 12), all helped with the event teaching the finer points of cattle handling. Their instructions covered a comprehensive range of skills, from leading and brushing to washing and preparing cattle for competition, ensuring the students were well-equipped to handle the animals safely and competently.

The weekend was not only a learning experience but also a testament to the strong sense of community and continuity at Calrossy. Seeing past students return to guide and inspire current ones was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of the School's programs. Their willingness to come back and contribute to the School's legacy, even as they prepare to embark on their university journeys, speaks volumes about the bonds formed at Calrossy.

James Forsyth, alongside the entire Calrossy team, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for making the weekend not just successful but truly memorable. 

"It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated students," said Mr Forsyth, reflecting on the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by both current and former students.

The Cattle Camp exemplifies Calrossy's commitment to providing hands-on, practical education that goes beyond the classroom, preparing students not just for academic success but for meaningful contributions to their communities. As the participants of this year's camp look forward to applying their new skills in upcoming competitions, they carry forward the values of hard work, collaboration, and lifelong learning that are at the heart of the Calrossy experience.

Cattle Camp Weekend

 Guyra Show 

This weekend the Cattle Team which consists of 18 students, James Forsyth and Kathy De Jong. The team travelled up to Guyra show on Friday, Saturday the February 16th and 17th. The first competition was the F002 paraders class which qualifies the students to enter the parader section of the Sydney Royal Easter show. We had six students qualify out of a possible 10. They were Grace Newcombe, Ellie McCulloch, Eve Maloney, Evy Walsh, Madison Bailey, Matthia Rudder. Already qualified from last year is Audrey Bower, Amelia Miller, Hayden Evans and Stirling Wheatley. So Calrossy will have a strong line up of competitors entering this year’s Sydney Royal Easter show parader section held on Thursday, March 21.

In the Junior Judging section we had several students make the final which they then had to speak on the microphone in front of everyone. Ellie McCulloch, Amelia Miller, Regan Banks, Eve Maloney and Stirling Wheatley. Stirling came out with a ribbon after his excellent appraisal of the cattle.

In the stud cattle section on the Saturday Matthia Rudder led Kamilaroi Caitlin who took out Reserve Champion senior heifer. They won $200, 2x bags of feed and a voucher to a feed store worth $150. Shakaya Fenton led Kamilaroi TikTok to take out fourth place in the Junior Bull section.

Calrossy exhibited nine steers with the winner being Calrossy Jaguar led by Stirling Wheatley who was bred by Tim Bayliss. Calrossy Bentley led by Hayley Hodges came third and Calrossy F250 led by Amelia Miller, Calrossy DMax led by Matthia Rudder and Aiden Rudder all made it to the final line up.

It was a great few days and we are all ready to do it all again this coming weekend at Inverell show. If anyone would like to see the Cattle Team show in action, we will be at Inverell showground on Friday and Saturday this week.

Big thanks to  Cavanaghs Stockmaster Transport and Furneys Stockfeeds who are our major sponsors.