FROM cattle judging and sheep handling to cheesemaking, fermented beverages and large-scale agricultural displays, students from West Moreton Anglican College will represent the school across a broad range of events at this year’s 150th edition of the Ekka.
Their efforts will highlight the strength of WestMAC’s agricultural education program.
Agriculture Leader of Learning Amanda Vernon said the milestone provided students with a unique opportunity to celebrate Queensland’s rich agricultural heritage, while putting months of hard work into practice.
“Our students have been working hard throughout the year developing their skills in animal husbandry, judging, handling and agricultural science,” she said.
“The 150th Ekka is a wonderful opportunity for them to celebrate their connection to agriculture and showcase the knowledge and dedication they have built through our programs.”
The school’s Agricultural Show Team, made up of students from Years 7 to 12, will contest several of the Ekka’s premier cattle competitions, including the RNA Stud Beef Young Judges Competition, RNA Stud Beef Paraders Competition, Inter School Steer Judging Competition and School Steer Young Judges Competition.
Students will also exhibit their own stud cattle during Ekka Beef Week, demonstrating their expertise in breeding, animal care, preparation and presentation.
In a significant achievement, WestMAC has secured one of just six district display positions in the prestigious Youth in Agriculture Exhibit.
The students will create a large-scale produce display celebrating this year’s theme, 150 Years of Ekka, using fruit, vegetables, grasses and grains to tell the story of Queensland agriculture.
The college’s involvement extends well beyond cattle, with students competing across a wide range of livestock events.
Creativity will feature prominently through the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) competition, where Year 1 student Winston Munt and Year 5 student Bitsy Billington have both been named finalists.
Inspired by this year’s theme, Stories of the Land: Connection to Country, the pair will transform their designs onto life-sized fibreglass goats that will be displayed throughout the Ekka.
College students are preparing to proudly showcase
not only their own talents, but also the future of agriculture in the State.
