News & Media

School Steer Spectacular Shone Through the Rain

Fri 21 May 2021

The Shoalhaven has once again hosted the School Steer Spectacular, following last year’s virtual event. Fifteen schools with over 400 students and 60 cattle met at the Nowra Showground to compete in multiple ‘Hoof and Hook’ events through-out the day. 

This year’s event was not overshadowed by significant rainfall, with many smiles from students as they paraded their animals in the show ring for the first time since COVID-19. Shoalhaven City Council is proud to have supported the event since inception and were crucial in securing grant funding from the NSW State Government for the Southern Showground upgrades. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley was pleased to attend the Spectacular and praised the students for their commitment to the longstanding agricultural event, despite the challenging weather conditions.  

“We are pleased to see the students utilise the new facilities of the southern part of the Nowra Showground. The upgrade to facilities has not only benefited the Steer Spectacular but also many other events which occur at this venue such as the Holstein Breed Spring Fair.” 

 “It is great to see the passion for agriculture is alive and well here in the youth of the region and the recent upgrades which will support and encourage additional agricultural events to the Shoalhaven.” Clr Findley said. 

Economic Development Manager Greg Pullen stated how proud he is to see this event continue in the Shoalhaven. 

“This event supports regional students, with over 1000 students participating in raising and showing of the steers.” Mr. Pullen said. 

“This event is vital to the Shoalhaven’s agribusiness and allows regional students to gain hands on experience in the industry, further fostering our next generation of agribusiness professionals. 

“The Economic Development team are proud of this event and look forward to seeing it continue long into the future.” Mr. Pullen said.  

South Coast Beef Awards for the 2021 School Steer Spectacular

Section 1 MANILDRA SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP
School:  Chevalier College
Award:  School Steer Spectacular Champion Light-weight Beef Carcass
Award:  School Steer Spectacular Champions Beef Carcass
Award:  South Coast Beef School Steer Spectacular Champion School
Breed:  South Devon
Breeder:  M & J Hamilton, Oakfield South Devons, Foxground

School:  Dapto High School 
Award:  School Steer Spectacular Reserve Champion Beef Carcass
Award:  South Coast Beef School Steer Spectacular Reserve Champion School
Breed:  Angus
Breeder: B & T Hawthorne, Target Creek Farm, Kangaroo Valley

School: St Gregory's College
Award: School Steer Spectacular Medium-weight Beef Carcass
Breed:  Murray Grey
Breeder:  R & H Hoare, Cadfor Murray Greys, Binda

Section 2 OPEN SCHOOL CHALLENGE
School:  Yass High School
Award:  Open School Challenge Champion Beef Carcass
Breed:  Limousin
Breeder:  Sarana Limousins, Crookwell

School:  Yass High School
Award:  Open School Challenge Reserve Champion Beef Carcass
Breed:  Simmental x Red Angus
Breeder: Newton Wood Limousins

Section 3 SOUTH COAST BEEF MEMBERS CHALLENGE
School:  Brad Hawthorne
Award:  South Coast Beef Members Challenge Champion Beef Carcass
Breed:  Angus
Breeder:  B & T Hawthorne, Target Creek Farm, Kangaroo Valley

School:  L & S Pippard
Award:  South Coast Beef Members Challenge Reserve Champion Beef Carcass
Breed:  South Devon
Breeder:  Tannoch Farm, South Devons, Parma

• Click here for all results of the 2021 South Coast School Steer Spectacular

Images: Credit South Coast Beef Producers Association Facebook Page.