AGRICULTURE REPORT: Steer Spectacular

The inaugural South Coast School Steer Spectacular was held over two days on Tuesday 10^th and Wednesday 11^th of April at the picturesque Nowra show ground. There were 11 schools entered with twenty steers competing, supported by approximately one hundred students. Bomaderry High’s cattle team performed to their usual high standard. Caitlin and Tara did an excellent job, parading “Boris” and “Angus” in a professional manner, catching the judges eye for “Boris” to claim first place in the lightweight steer competition.

Individual students also performed particularly well with Corey M claiming third place in his heat of the intermediate paraders comp with Tara M earning a fourth, Sari B and Riley B both with a fifth place ribbon. The senior paraders also performed well, Caitlin and Claudia showing the benefit of their experience at Sydney Show last year but were unfortunately unplaced. It was disappointing that Justin missed out on entering in the paraders comp as the steers were getting tired in the hot conditions and their welfare is always our priority.

In the junior judging, Corey again showed his style, placing first in the intermediate section. Highly commended awards also went to Sam F and Harley S, while Rebecca L, Maryanne S, Alyssa P and Caitlin M earned highly commended ribbons in the senior section.

This steer comp also required a report to be presented on the economics and science behind the project. Tara and Sari, representing our Year 10 team, presented the report for our steer “Angus”. They performed very well in difficult conditions earning a silver medal award.

Our senior team report was presented by Jade M, Jade D and Lily C who were outstanding, gaining rave reviews from the judges and earning a gold medal award which will contribute many points to our overall tally.

The steers accrue points from their judging on the hoof, the presentation report and their carcass results. These add up to determine which school will be awarded Champion School. We are quietly optimistic for some success in this competition.

Jade, Caitlin and Claudia were also interviewed by ABC radio after our successes. You may have heard them.

It is also important to note that the students parading our animals are supported by a team of grooms who prepare and feed the steers, assist the paraders and generally make sure the Bomo High Show team is running like a well-oiled machine. Congratulations on a job well done, to Jasmine E, Anthony L, Justin R, Jayden S, Mitchell W, Luke W, Isabel F, Talia S, Oliver W and Justin “Mr Fix It” R.Thanks also to Louie Chilver and Joel Horgan who provided the muscle when we were educating the steers to lead on the halter.

Claudia M and Caitlin Mdeserve special mention in the way they conducted themselves and lead the team with enthusiasm and commitment.

The final results were presented at Milton Meatworks on Saturday 14th April. Our Murray Grey Steer produced a carcass that earned 89 points, winning us a Silver medal. When the carcass points are combined with the points gained from the judging "on the hoof" and the presentation report, Bomaderry High managed an impressive 225.5 points, giving us a gold medal and the Champion School award for the Steer Spectacular.

Our show team earned nothing but praise from the organisers for their politeness, enthusiasm and professionalism. Congratulations!!!