A SOUTH East school team guided cattle to success in the Mount Gambier Spring Show led steer competition.
Allendale East Area School entered two steers in the competition, with both placing in the event.
Angus steer Glentanner Pablo competed in the heavy weight steers over 400kg category, placing fourth.
Warrawindi Peanut, a Limousin x Hereford steer, competed in the mid-weight steers and was also awarded fourth in his class.
Both students Sarah and Lyndall paraded the animals exceptionally well and were selected in their final for the novice and experienced handlers classes.
Brad, Allen and Kayelene Lucas of Glentanner Angus Stud and the Galpin Family of Warrawindi Limousins donated the animals for use by the school.
Year 11 student Jordan has been involved in the agricultural program since it began in 2014 and has made milestone achievements.
“I placed fourth in the Adelaide Show last year within the experienced leaders section out of around 40 participants,” Jordan said.
“I raised an Angus that year, which was quite a privilege.
“The first few years we only had a small group of around five and now we have 12 members in our team.”
Jordan plans to participate in the program again next year.
“I have learnt how to handle the steer and safely guide them, which helps with my work on a dairy farm,” Jordan said.
“I feel more comfortable around cows because of this school project.
“Most years I form some sort of bond with the steer while looking after it.”
Allendale East Area School media liaison Tracey Bald added students learnt to raise a range of animals throughout the agricultural area.
“Pigs are raised and once they are grown they are slaughtered with the meat sold as a fundraiser for the school,” Ms Bald said.
“We also have chickens and other farming activities.”
The students work once a week for a term leading the steer with plans of entering both the Royal Adelaide Show and Mount Gambier Spring Show next year.
