College excels at cattle shows

Brisbane Water Secondary College has had successes recently in the agriculture section of the Brisbane Royal Show, the Central Coast Steer Show and the Quirindi Prime Stock Show.

The college recently took a steer to Queensland to compete in the Brisbane Royal Show, which ex-Umina student Mr Karl Burton paraded on behalf of the college.

The steer was a Limousin-Angus cross bred by Warren and Wendy Brown of Clarencetown in the Hunter Valley.

Mr and Mrs Brown own butcher shops in Newcastle and have supported the college for many years, according to agriculture teacher Mr Mark Fisher.

"Their support has been greatly appreciated and we look forward to working with them in the future," Mr Fisher said.

In the carcase competition, the steer won its class out of 40 entries.

The Central Coast Steer Show at Gosford showground was the next competition, with the college represented by seven steers and 30 students.

"All steers won a ribbon with our best result being first, second, third and fourth in a class of 16 steers," Mr Fisher said.

"Brisbane Water Secondary College students stood out as one of the top schools claiming many awards in cattle assessment, judging and cattle parading."

Student Ashlee Austin was crowned champion parader, winning the "best of the best" competition and also first place in the senior judging.

Other results were Samantha Hinton winning first place in the senior paraders competition with Kristy Warren coming third.

"Joshua Hirst in Year 9 won first place in the junior judging competition with great public speaking that impressed the judge," Mr Fisher said.

Samantha and Kristy combined with Emily Waters of Year 10 to come third in the team judging competition.

Many other students also claimed ribbons in the paraders competitions.

"It was great to have Mr Vrolyk along to talk with beef producers who work with the school and to award a class of steers with their ribbons," Mr Fisher said.

The cattle team went to the Quirindi Prime Stock Show, Mr Fisher said.

"We arrived there the day before with Mrs Hughes, Mr Ron Unsworth, Mr Warren Eames, the retired heart of agriculture at Umina for over 25 years, and 20 students," Mr Fisher said.

"Livestock included four steers and two pigs."

The school took out a first and second place in the carcase competition.

Mr Fisher said Wednesday's activities involved the college's students mixing with 300 other students.

Four groups were made and each group rotated to four learning areas including cattle assessment, cattle preparation, cattle handling and cattle structure and function.

A cattle paraders competition was held the next day with finalists going through to the next competition.

"On show day, the results were exceptional," Mr Fisher said.

In the cattle paraders competition from 300 participants, eight students made the final with six of the eight being placed in the top four.

Emily Waters and Jessica Lefterescu took second and third place in the pig appraisal.

Ashlee Austin won the cattle assessment competition out of 300 students.

"Student's behaviour, manners, presentation, initiative, co-operation and the ability to work as a team was exceptional," Mr Fisher said.

Press release, October 12 Pat Lewis, Brisbane Water Secondary College