Final cattle win in successful season

Brisbane Water Secondary College has completed the 2011 cattle show season with a win at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza held at Scone on October 28-30.

Over 40 schools from all regions of NSW, 15 breeders, 150 head of led cattle and more than 400 students competed in what was the final and largest cattle show of the year.

Brisbane Water entered four animals, prepared by 16 students from Years 7 to 12.

Allanah Norris won Champion Heavyweight steer bred by Mr Alwyn Kelehear.

This steer continued to place Runner Up Overall Champion on the Hoof of the show.

Another two steers achieved fourth place in the middleweight and heavyweight classes.

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza concluded a successful show season for the college, which entered nine shows, according to Umina campus P and C president Mr Bruce Graf.

The college won five overall show champions ribbons, champion National Capital Domestic steer at Canberra Royal, Champion School Parader at Sydney Royal, two class champions and numerous placings, he said.

Young cattle have now arrived from breeders at Forbes, Quirindi, Tamworth and the Hunter Valley in preparation for the 2012 season.

Students said they were excited about commencing training for the coming year.

"Support from breeders and the community has enabled the school to provide students a balanced and comprehensive agriculture education," said Mr Graf.

He said the program gave students the opportunity to learn team work, accountability, responsibility and work ethic.

"This has provided a solid platform for many graduates to enter successful agricultural tertiary training and employment over the years.

"These students would otherwise never encounter the diversity of the agricultural opportunities available in Australia," he said.

Media Release, 23 Nov 2011 Bruce Graf, BWSC Umina P and C