FROM the classroom to an arena, high school students from across the region got a glimpse of the agricultural industry last week at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Dressed in white coats, ties and gum boots, agriculture students put their well-fed and cared for steers to the test in a strict and tough competition.
Allendale East Area School was one of many that took up the challenge, receiving great results for both their steers generously donated by local breeders.
Competing for the seventh time this year, the school showed it is a front runner, placing fourth in the school export 645kg to 695kg class with their Angus steer and third in the schools heavy domestic, 465kg to 485kg class with a Simmental steer.
Working with agricultural students, teacher Danielle Tulak spent the past five months preparing for the event and said it was not without its challenges.
“The cold conditions in the region always make it more challenging for the students as it is harder for the steers to gain weight, that’s why we get them so early in the year compared to other schools,” she said.
Judged on red meat content and depth of body, Ms Tulak said the students have worked tirelessly to prepare food and compare and interpret results.
“Prior to the show they are weighed and scanned – this determines what class they will be in and whether they will go to the domestic or international market,” she said.
Student Jordan Moir took part in the competition for the first time and said it has been a fun, yet exhausting process.
“I don’t live on a farm but it was something I still found quite interesting and I have learnt a lot about the feeding and treatment of steers,” he said.
Also taking part but with a background in farming, Grant High School Year 11 student Cameron Curtis said he has always been passionate about the agricultural industry.
“I have shown for other studs in the past but this was the first time I have taken part with the school – it has been so much fun,” he said.
“Once I finish school I hope to continue down the agriculture path and become a farm hand.”
Other schools from throughout the region that competed at the Royal Adelaide Show included Lucindale Area School and Kangaroo Inn Area School.
