Forbes High had three steers entered this year - two Limousin steers from Heather and Richard Cole of ‘Lachlan Dale Limousin Stud’ and a Murray Grey steer from Ian and Narelle Wilcox of ‘Ayr Park Murray Grey Stud.’ 

The Limousin steers were in a huge group of 40 steers in the medium weight domestic class and were judged third and sixth on the hoof (live). 

These two steers then placed fourth and 12th on the hook (carcass). 

The Murray Grey steer was placed second in the Export steer hoof section and placed fourth on the hook.

The steers were not the only ones to perform well at Canberra with the students competing well in the Junior Parader’s Competition. 

Konnor Ryan achieved a third in his U/15s heat, Jessie Alcorn achieved first in her heat and fifth overall in the hotly contested U/16s section, and Sally Downie achieved fourth place in the U/17s section. 

Agriculture teacher and cattle team coordinator, Damian Byrne said this was a fantastic effort.

“This is an amazing result again for our small state school against some of the best agricultural schools in NSW,” he said.

“The students’ behaviour and performance was of a high standard for the whole trip and they were a credit to themselves and the school.”

Mr Byrne and Rachel Eagles would also like to thank Michelle Alcorn for helping transport the steers and supervise the students, as well as Andrew Norton-Knight and Terry Apps for providing feed for the steers. 

Forbes High School would like to thank their major sponsors Advanced Animal Nutrition for donating the High Mag liquid lick supplement that has helped to develop the steers to such a high standard, Woolworths in Forbes for donating the food and drinks for the students, and finally the Cole and Wilcox families for trusting the school to prepare and show their animals. “Without the help of local businesses our school could not compete at such a high level,” Mr Byrne said.