Cattle Team

Cattle Team

Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza – Thursday 24 October to Sunday 27 October

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 2024 marks a remarkable event in the Southern Hemisphere, renowned as the largest steer show with the participation of 450 steers and engaging 820 students. This esteemed event is celebrated for showcasing both student talent and animal quality, fostering a deep connection with the red meat industry and agriculture.

Students had the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of activities designed to enhance their understanding and skills in the agricultural sector. These activities included:

  • Career Seminars offering insights into agricultural professions.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) activities providing immersive learning experiences.
  • Ergonomic Exoskeleton trials to explore innovative agricultural technology.
  • Red Meat Judging Competitions challenging students’ ability to assess meat quality.
  • Cattle Judging and Parading, further enriching their practical skills.
  • Presenting Steers for judging, a test of both livestock preparation and presentation skills.

These exhaustive programs were integral in broadening students’ agricultural knowledge and skills. The exemplary behavior and positive attitude exhibited by our students across the four-day event garnered numerous compliments regarding their professionalism and manners. Special thanks are extended to Ms. Jill Burgess and Oli Bucknell for their invaluable support, contributing significantly to the event’s success.

Students in the Pymble Cattle Team exhibited four steers in this year’s show, 2 x Angus and 2 x Angus/Simmental steers, purchased from the Laurie and Fitzgerald families.

Congratulations to all students on the following results:

Intercollegiate Meat Judging Competition (ICMJ):

  • 3rd Place Team Event
  • Overall Individual Champion: Annabelle Jones (Year 10)

Beef Competitions:

  • Individual Champion Beef: Annabelle Jones (Year 10)
  • Individual Beef Competition – 5th Place: Livia Armstrong (Year 10)

Parader’s Competition Results:

13 years:

  • Eloise Jenkins (Year 8) – 3rd Place
  • Clara Mudaliar (Year 8) – 4th Place

15 years:

  • Adison Hartog-Smith (Year 10) – 1st in Heat

16 years:

  • Anais Vander (Year 10) – 4th in Heat
  • Eilidh Skelton (Year 10) – 4th in Heat

17/18 years:

  • Hannah Weber (Year 11, 2025 Year 12) – 5th in Heat
  • Hannah Weber (Year 11, 2025 Year 12) – Selected for the Waverly Scholarship x applicants, placed in top seven.

Carcass Competition (Meat)

Uzzie

1st place in his Middle Weight Class – 88.59 points.

Breeder – Ted and Alison Laurie “KNOWLA” Livestock, Gloucester.

Umberto

3rd place in his Middle Weight Class.- 83.19 points

Breeder – Richard Fitzgerald “Alkoomie”, Nundle.

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 2024 was an enriching and successful event, providing students not only with competitive opportunities but also with valuable exposure to the agricultural industry. The dedication and hard work of the students, alongside the support from faculty, continue to enhance the prestige of this exceptional event. Congratulations to all participants and winners for their outstanding achievements and contributions!

Peter Wearne

Co-ordinator – Cattle Team