KONGORONG Primary School students have learnt what it takes to go from paddock to plate as part of the school’s Future Pathways program.
For around 14 months, the students helped raise two first cross Angus cattle – a black steer named Batman and a red heifer named Robin.
The pathway program gives students an idea of the different careers they can pursue in the South East while incorporating science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
Donated to the school by the Angelino family when they were six months old and four months old, the pair were kept at the school’s paddock for six months until they grew too big and were then agisted at the Cordy family’s property for 10 months.
School principal Michelle Hunt said the students thoroughly enjoyed the process.
“Although a lot of our kids come from properties or live close by, we have children from fishing families as well that do not have much to do with cattle,” she said.
“So I think it was especially interesting to them to see how their food gets from paddock to plate, but all of the students really enjoyed it.
“They really took ownership of the cattle – feeding them, caring for them and even choosing their quirky names.”
Once the pair were ready for market, the students travelled to the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards on Wednesday to see Batman and Robin go under the hammer.
Sold by O’Connor and Graney agent Ethan Bronca, Batman fetched an impressive 265c per kilogram with Robin selling for 270c per kilogram.
At 540kg and 470kg respectively, they were sold for a combined total of $2700.
Now the duo have been sold, Ms Hunt said the money will be put back into the Future Pathways program.
“This was the first time we have had something like this for the kids and we are impressed with how well it was received,” she said.
“We are going to keep going with the program each year, so the money will go towards the costs involved with that.
“We are especially grateful to everyone who helped us along the way and hope we can go bigger and better next time.”
