Winners for UniSchools Steer Challenge 2014

More than 150 students, from Years 7 to 12, along with principals, teachers and parents gathered at the University of Western Sydney on Friday 5 September for the 2014 UniSchool Steer Challenge closing ceremony.

Poll Hereford steers were allocated by ballot to each participating school team back in May and for approximately 100 days students were tasked with the feeding and handling of the steers that they then presented at the Live Day competition at Hawkesbury Showground.

Bede Polding College was the overall champions of the competition. In second place was Macarthur Anglican School and just behind in third place was Xavier College.

Event organiser, Stephen Blunden, from the UWS School of Natural Sciences, says the competition is a great way to engage students in an agriculturally focussed challenge.

"Students are responsible for the feeding and welfare of the steer, picking up valuable skills in animal care and cattle management in the process."

"The challenge has also proven to be a great learning opportunity in communication and personal development," says Mr Blunden.

The UniSchools Steer Challenge started back in 2000 with a handful of schools participating. Since that time the competition has grown to include many more Sydney schools and students gain experience and learn about animal care and the challenge of working in the agricultural industry.

The project also provides a valuable opportunity for the promotion of agriculture in both schools and the general public.

Individual class winners of the 2014 UniSchools Steer Challenge were:

Champion Junior Judge:Colo High,   Grace Ward
Champion Senior Judge: Richmond High,   Brooke Chandler
Junior Champion Parader: Elizabeth Macarthur High, Clare Howe
Senior Champion Parader: Elizabeth Macarthur High, Bradley Psaroudis
All Ages Judging Team: Richmond High
Champion School – Best Presented Steer: Colo High
Students Choice (Display): Caroline Chisholm College
Champion School – Led Steer: Richmond TAFE
Champion School – Herdsman: Oakhill College
Champion School – Combined Beef Appraised Team: Caroline Chisholm College
Champion School – Steer Weight Gain: Bede Polding College
Champion Carcass School: Xavier College

Ends
17 September 2014
Contact: Tanya Patterson, Media Officer