Awards windfall for Paul’s College, Kempsey, agriculture students

featured image

St Paul’s College, Kempsey, agriculture students achieved a series of remarkable successes at the Wauchope, Kempsey, Wingham, and Macksville shows. (19 April, 27 April and 23 May 2022)

Congratulations to St Paul’s College, Kempsey, agriculture students for achieving outstanding success at the Wauchope, Kempsey, Wingham, and Macksville shows.

The achievements of the highly regarded Primary Industries program at the college are evident in the students' results in the specialised events designed to test their knowledge and skills in varying aspects of beef production and exhibition. Participating in such events allows the students to work together as a team and gain hands-on exposure to the Australian Beef Industry. 

It was the team's first opportunity to attend a competition for over two years, and for many of the students, this was their first-ever experience competing in a cattle show. 

Some of the achievements of this talented school team include:

  • Wauchope Show:  Best presented School Cattle Team, Champion and Reserve Champion led steer, The Tom Lawson Memorial Trophy for a steer led by a junior and Best Maintained Team.
  • Kempsey Show: First place in the 351- 450kg Steer (Isla Grafin Von Mengersen, Year 7).
  • Wingham Beef Week Herdsman Award was won by Year 10 student Isabel DeJager. Participants were observed by a secret judge who continually watched students working in and around the cattle shed. 
  • Year 10 student Regan O’Donnell was awarded runner-up in The Wingham Beef Week Bill Hobbs Award for the best all-rounder. Regan impressed the judges in her interview by showcasing her passion and knowledge of the industry.

The Primary Industry team are exceptionally proud of their results in the Wingham Beef Week Carcase Judging. Three of the college animals were judged champions in their class, including the Lightweight steer, born and bred on the college farm.

‘We've been close before, and animals have figured in the top three, but to win with an animal we bred on-farm is a great achievement,’ said Leader of Vocational Education and Training, Graham Bramley. 

The outcomes are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the college agriculture staff, the support of the parents and the commitment, diligence and partnerships forged by the students.