WINNING EFFORT: Part of the 12 strong team that produced an outstanding result at EKKA 2022.
NINE months of dedicated training by the West Moreton Anglican College’s cattle show team proved the right recipe for a success at EKKA 2022.
Boasting the Ipswich region’s largest cattle show school team of 42 members they had already won a swathe of ribbons leading into EKKA.
A team of 12 students, from Years 8 to 12, were selected to represent WestMAC at this year’s EKKA.
Acting Teacher-in-Charge of Agricultural Science, Pip Smith, said the team was one of the hardest working and most dedicated groups ever to represent the College.
“It was exciting to see the entire season’s success, especially at EKKA, our students are passionate about being the best they can be,” she said. Bella Johnstone, who has won several ribbons as a five-year team member including second in last month’s Gatton Show’s Farmer’s Challenge, said competing at EKKA was a highlight made special because of her family’s connection to the event.
Her grandfather Dr Vivian Edwards was RNA President for seven years, while her grandmother Jennifer is a well-known horse breeder, and her mother Annabelle has been an honorary steward for more than 25 years.
“It meant a lot to be part of such a famous event and to be a member of a ribbon winning team, finishing third against such tough competition from all over Queensland and Northern NSW was a massive bonus,” she said.
“We have a fantastic team spirit and have learnt skills and knowledge from not only our supportive teachers but also older students, who are role models.’’
WestMAC students achieved more than a combined seven ribbons and a multitude of top 10 placings this season at three pre-EKKA shows: Toogoolawah, Boonah, and Gatton. WestMAC has also triumphed in the Stud Beef ring at all three shows, backed by Charnelle Charolais stud farm, as well as the Black Duck Charolais stud farm, who support the College’s extensive agricultural program.
There are more than a dozen head of cattle on the 20-acre farm, which is part of the West Moreton Anglican College campus.
WESTMAC’S 2022 EKKA RESULTS WERE:
- Third in the Interschool Cattle Judging competition from more than 16 other schools from around Queensland and NSW.
- Third overall in the Interschool Young Judging competition
- Abigail B. (Year 11) 5th in Junior Paraders competition with Blackduck Spritzer in a 90-plus field.
- Veronica B. (Year 11) and Lucy P. (Year 11) finalists in Junior Paraders competition in a 90-plus field
- Highly Commended for Samson M. (Year 9) in the Young Judges competition in a 40-plus field.
