Success at beef shows

The Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus agriculture department has started the year with a "string of success" in beef industry cattle competitions.

Both students and college steers have had "great success" according to agriculture teacher Mr Mark Fisher.

Mr Fisher said: "Four steers and 20 students led by Mr Geoff Spence and farm manager Mr Ron Unsworth competed at this years Maitland Show.

"Most of the students were involved in both the cattle judging and parading events."

Mr Fisher said several students were well placed in both events with Gena Lyons "accounting well for herself" in the oral presentation for judging and Josh Hirst and Kristin Gee moving through to the Sydney Royal Easter Show paraders event, representing the Hunter Valley-Central Coast region.

"The highlight of the day, apart from a number of good placements with the steers, including first placement in two classes, was to win the overall event with the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion School steers," Mr Fisher said.

"This Grand Champion then went on the next day to win the Grand Champion Open steer.

"As a result of the good showing overall, Brisbane Water Secondary College was awarded the overall Champion School Shield for the show."

"Thanks must go to Ron Unsworth for the extra unpaid work he puts in and to the dedicated cattle team students for their fine efforts."

Mr Fisher, farm manager Mr Unsworth and volunteer Ms Sue Hughes also attended the Royal Canberra Show.

"We had huge success, being second out of 20 in the medium weight class, second out of 25 in the heavy weight class and reserve Champion Steer (live) and Overall Grand Champion Carcase," Mr Fisher said.

The competition included 20 high schools from around the state, with180 students and 60 steers.

The steers were bred and prepared by both high schools and commercial and stud cattleman.

"In addition, students who haven't participated in a cattle handling competition before won minor ribbons in this event," Mr Fisher said.

"A swag of ribbons, plaques, trophies and a prize money cheque of $2500 was brought back to the college with cattle team students' heads held high."

Mr Fisher said the college has been successfully involved in feeding, preparing and showing Limousin and Limousin cross cattle for over 12 years.

"Our introduction to the Limousin Society was through Mr Fred Nichols, owner and manager of the Woy Woy Meatworks," Mr Fisher said.

"The college has enjoyed much success over the years with last year's achievements including: Champion steer at Maitland Show, Champion steer at Castle Hill Show, Champion heavyweight steer at the Sydney Royal Easter Show (also in 2005), first place lightweight steer at Casino Beef Week and Reserve Champion, Champion and overall Grand Champion at the Quirindi Prime Stock Show."

Press release, 14 March 2007 Mark Fisher, Brisbane Water Secondary College