IT IS the largest youth event in Australia for beef cattle enthusiasts and this year the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza held at Scone drew in a whopping 880 competitors.
Ranging in age from primary school students right through to 18-year-olds, the three day event hosted an educational program, the Waverley Station School Steer Challenge, steer and heifer classes, purebred heifer classes and competitons for all.
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With a number of schools choosing to bring big teams of students to learn and take part in the competitions, each age division had upwards of 100 participants making it stiff competition.
A highlight for many was the meat judging section that took part at the JBS Australia Scone on October 26.
In line with meat judging, participants also could join in on the live junior judging competition where they were required to judge an interbreed heifer class, Shorthorn bull class and a kill steer class.
The junior judging section was officiated by overjudge Jack Laurie from Knowla Livestock, Moppy, who had been a past competitor in the event.
Kempsey High Student Liam Whalen took home the big prize of the weekend being named the grand champion junior judging. Reserve champion junior judge overall went to the 15 year division winner Emma Steele from New England Girls’ School, Armidale.
Students also showed their skills when it came to handling cattle during the paraders competition that was judged by Kate Spry, Kate Johnston and Bede McAlpin.
Coming out on top of this section as grand champion parader was Leisl Cooper from Calrossy Anglican College, Tamworth.
Ms Cooper, who won the 16 years age division officiated by Mr McAlpin, was a stand out for how she handled her leads and held the animals head whilst on the move and when standing it up.
Other age divisions champions included; Ryan Knee from Calrossy Anglican College (primary), Taylah Hobbs from Kinross Wolaroi School (12 to 13 years), Declan Dries from Kempsey High School (14 years), Caitlin Porter (15 years) and Jordyn Snape (17 to 18 years).
