Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza

What a show! 45 students with 20 head of cattle over four days of education and competition. We were victorious in bringing back to school the major award of Supreme Champion Exhibit from 440 other animals. 

And the highlights didn't stop there! 

The cattle performed well, with five blue ribbons, two seconds, and three thirds from the 22 classes. The cattle were also awarded Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer and Reserve Champion Lightweight as well.

From over 700 competitors, there were great performances from the students parading with so many getting into the top line-up. Great results in the Junior Judging with Marli and Ellie placing 2nd and 3rd respectively in a huge age group and Saige placed 3rd. 

Jemma won her heat and went into the finals of the paraders. James placed 2nd and Lily and Caylie both placed 3rd. Congratulations and well done! 

Caylie, Lily, James and Olivia were runners up in the ICMJ meat judging! New judges from St Joseph’s this year were Angus and Ollie who had their first year of competition and are keen to continue their meat judging journey!

And congratulations to James for winning the Waverley Station Scholarship to King Island. 

Not only do we compete, but everyone is also involved in education sessions and a careers evening before the classes begin. This year, there was a technology focus, and students got to experience a meat processing plant and use VR to assist them in identifying meat cuts and primals. We had fun with the VR goggle and learnt something along the way!

I would also like to highlight the Cattle Show Team parents who ran the VIP Sponsors tent over the weekend. They served tea and coffee, cakes and scones, and gourmet steak sandwiches to the sponsors of Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. It was a hit! Thank you all who supported and assisted. 

It is difficult to put into words the impact that the Cattle Show Team and this event has on students, staff and supporters, maybe because there are so many good things that come from it. I received a message from a breeder after the event and they said that the prize winners are some reward, but the St Joseph’s Catholic College Show Team gain admiration and respect for their efforts; and that is great!

Lisa Bright

Agriculture Teacher