Students see hard work on show at South Coast Beef Spectacular

Mr Glover said the steer's carcase would probably be in the heavier range and would go 200-220kg chilled and would meet all the market specifications.

"He had a real good eye muscle area," Mr Glover said.

Karabar's two steers were generously donated by Chris Englebrecht, Denman, after seeing a shoutout in The Land newspaper.

Karabar Ag teacher Jillian Kuchel said Mr Englebrecht was eager to help the school "hoof and hook" competition as he always wanted to do the same thing when he was at school. "He was very excited to see two of his steers in the competition," Ms Kuchel said.

The winning steer, known as "Fireball" by the students, defeated Narooma High's entry for the coveted Overall Champion Lead Steer. Karabar High is a co-educational school in Queanbeyan.

It was the culmination of more than four months' work by school students from Albion Park to Nowra down to Narooma, across to Braidwood and Queanbeyan. They had the steers delivered into their care by the South Coast Beef Producers Association, who have run the competition for several years. Last year the competition had to be held virtually because of COVID restrictions. The steers are kindly donated by many beef producers and then allotted to the schools.

The competition is aimed at promoting knowledge of beef production among students, taking them through the handling, animal welfare, feeding and meat producing areas. The hands-on experience has inspired many to seek careers in agriculture and beef production, some have also gone on to cattle judging, including two who were judging at the Schools Spectacular at Nowra Showgrounds.

The students spend up to two hours a week working with the steers, learning to handle them. Many agreed the steers started "pretty wild" before they were taught to be lead. The students also enter a report on the stewardship of the steers in their care as part of the competition. The program was also of a huge benefit for some students who might not be as responsive to in-class teaching, but found the practical aspect of handling the steers gave them a new insight into what they could achieve. All the continuing students interviewed by The Land were keen to go on with the competition next year.

The judges had to contend with periods of intense rain, Nowra recording over 100mm on the day, but they were able to successfully navigate through the trying conditions, and the excitement in the student ranks was palpable.

There were 15 schools attending, with over 400 people on the day and over 1000 students have taken part in the raising of the steers since they were delivered to the schools. As part of the requirements of entry, the students also needed to deliver a report for judging.

Manildra Stockfeed was the exclusive stockfeed provider for all Section 1 entrants. This feed was donated by Manildra as part of their sponsorship.

Judge Stuart Glover said he was very impressed with steers presented. He thought two Square Meater steers were "exceptional". He said it was important that the right level of fat was met and that there wasn't too much fat. He was also impressed by some Limousin steers that were "really good" and some some Speckle Park cross steers "showed good carcase type and good eye muscle area".

He also complimented the young judges who had progressed through the South Coast Beef Spectacular program. "They are very good young judges," he said.

The Overall Champion Lead Steer From Section 1 Manildra School Championship was won by Karabar High, with an Angus x Speckle Park. The winner was sponsored by ECM Livestock

In Section 2 the Truck and Tractor Open School Challenge Overall Champion Steer Won By Yass High School, with a Square Meater. The breeder was Sue McClusky from Cowra, formerly from Berry.

The Winner was sponsored by LandHQ

"The event was run in trying conditions, it poured down with rain, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the students. They were out there with smiles on, putting on their best performance to with their chosen events," event spokesman David King said. The spectacular didn't end until almost 5.30pm.

The carcase section of the competition was being judged on the weekend and The Land will supply the results on Monday.