After the disappointment of the cancellation of the 2020 Sydney Royal due to COVID-19 St Catherine's Catholic College students were keen to return to the big smoke this year.
And return they did and take out a big ribbon but most importantly the show team really enjoyed their time down in Sydney catching up with old friends and learning new skills.- including taking a nap on a spare bale of hay and becoming a media star on the ABC national evening news.
The big win came in the led steer competition when the school's well performed Limousin steer was awarded champion school steer.
He had previously won champion steer at the Maitland and Newcastle shows. He was bred by Liz and Tony Sutcliffe, Toebelle Limousin stud, Maitland and before arriving at St Catherine's had spent time at Camden Haven High School.
It was the first collaboration between St Cath's and the Toebelle stud.
In Sydney he weighed 666kg and sold for a wonderful $11.60/kg - grossing $7725.60. That price pleased ag teacher Jo Towers as did the associated prizemoney.
The stablemate to that steer also from Toebelle stud that gained a fourth ribbon on the hook weighed 528kg and sold for $4.20/kg. The steer was also a member of the Limousin breed's Stan Hill team of three steers.
The school also exhibited to Angus steers that were unplaced in the live judging.
Ms Towers said the success in Sydney this year was the school's best results at a Royal show to date.
They did exhibit the champion led steer at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza in 2015 with a Speckle Park x Limousin bred by the late Allan Badior, Glendon.
"We really enjoyed our time in Sydney, the students were wonderful helping each other and learning so much," she said.
"No doubt they have made new friends. The success with the steers was just reward for everyone's hard work."
Other notable awards for St Cath's students included Amelia and Matilda-Jane Sternbeck who won their age group in the Heifer Fitting Challenge.
Amelia got fourth in F002 paraders, Georgia Urquhart won 3rd in F001 school paraders. Addi Eastley got fifth in F000 paraders and Tamzin Joisce got 4th.
Jacob Merrick for 3rd in junior judging and 6th in paraders in the RAS Youth Show.
Their next competition will be Wingham Beef Week where they will exhibit two Angus steers in the carcase only event this year due once again to COVID restrictions.
In other news from the school farm their sow gave birth to seven piglets while everyone was away in Sydney.
She and her offspring are doing well and enjoying the drier autumn weather.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
