THEY'VE put in the hard work and now the 30 students from the first combined Scots All Saints College Cattle Team are ready to face the competition in the ring.
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The students have dedicated many hours over the past four months to training their steers for cattle judging at upcoming local, regional and Sydney country shows.
Students from years eight to 12 meet on the farm at Scots Campus on O'Connell Road every Monday and Wednesday at 7am to prepare their Limousin, Angus, Blue E and Charolais steers to be ready for the ring.
Agriculture teacher Libby Dawes has, for the past 11 years, been co-ordinating the highly successful cattle team and equestrian programs at the Scots School, now merged with All Saints' College in Bathurst to become Scots All Saints College in 2019.
"There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst the students and I'm so impressed by their positive attitude and commitment to this program," Mrs Dawes said.
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Despite the challenges of the drought and grain costs, 23 steers are being prepared by the students.
"While we always aim to excel and do the best possible, regardless of how successful we are, this is a highly challenging and rewarding program for our students in so many ways, not only building skills in animal husbandry but teamwork, leadership and resilience which are very important traits for our young people," Mrs Dawes said.
"Many parents and families support the program by assisting with training and providing their experience and knowledge which is so valuable to our students."
Scots All Saints College Cattle Team will compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in competitions including the Hoof and Hook and at the Royal Bathurst Show on May 3, 4 and 5.
Many of the college's students have also entered the Young Rural Achievers at the Royal Bathurst Show.