FARM kids have shown up the competition at the prestigious Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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Lead by Calrossy Anglican School head of agriculture Bronwyn Nielsen, the Tamworth cattle team has pulled incredible results in the ring.
The kids nabbed the title of reserve champion in the lead steer section and champion and reserve champion in the trade section.
The whole process takes around a year, Ms Nielsen said.
"It's very stiff competition down here, people come from all over Australia and the standard is one of the highest so do even place down here we are so lucky," she said.
"A lot of our kids have been directly impacted by the drought and work on the farm with their families in the afternoon and on weekends to feed and deal with the stress.
"We know it's had an emotional toll but the kids really put on brave faces."
The drought made it harder this year to prepare the cattle, from feeding to breaking in and conditioning the animals so they peak at the right time.
There were at least 300 entries in the steer section and Calrossy students did well in the Shorthorn section too.
"One of the bulls that won junior champion will be sold at a national bull sale in June," Ms Nielsen said.
"You always hope they will sell well, you never know at the sales.
"Buyers want what they want but it helps to get our name out there in the top market - potential buyers are watching in the ring to look at the type of bull they want to buy in Dubbo."
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The school hoped to raise awareness for the plight of farmers with its drought awareness display to teach metropolitan audiences about the impact on rural areas.
At least 16 students and 16 head of cattle went to Sydney for the nine-day adventure.
At Calrossy, school children start to learn agriculture in Year 7 and by Years 10 and 11 they are pretty much professional Ms Nielsen said.
"We were very excited to do so well because it's so tough down here and there's so many amazing animals," she said.
"What the judge likes on the day plays a part but just to be out there competing with such a high standard of other exhibitors it's great to be a part of it all."
The students returned to Tamworth on Wednesday.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
