The past few weeks have been a very busy time for the Agriculture department, we have had the School Wether Merino Competition at the Adelaide Showgrounds and the Beef Carcase Competition Judging and Presentations. 

The School Merino Wether Competition took place on the 8th and 9th of September, 6 students combined from year 9 and 10, 2 staff members and 6 merino wethers attended the show. On the 8th we travelled down to Adelaide and unloaded the sheep into their pens where they would spend the night and the following day. The following day we had an early start, needing to be at the Showgrounds at 7:30am. When we arrived at the showgrounds students presented their sheep and themselves to the judges on numerous occasions. Tasks they needed to complete throughout the day included lining the sheep up for judging, shearing, sorting wool, feeding and watering and answering questions relating to the sheep industry. It was a long and tiresome day for the students with little opportunity for breaks as there was always something that needed to be done with the animals. 

However, all their hard work and persistence paid off as we came away from the day with numerous ribbons. All up for the day we placed;

• 7th in the Best Pen of Three Wethers
• 2nd in the Highest Weight Gain by a Team 
• 3rd in the Three Most Valuable Fleeces. 

In addition to all the team events, we also had 2 students make it to the Final Round for the Handlers Competition. Lara Zanker and Oscar Pedler had to demonstrate their handling techniques to judges, these judges were looking for handlers that had the best connection with their animal and greatest control.

The two days at the Royal Adelaide Show was fun and educational. The learning how the industry works was a really great experience

Connor Hoskin Year 9

For me the show was a great experience and fun too! I learnt a lot about sheep and the agricultural industry throughout the two days and I can’t wait to go again next year if I have the chance. The show included a lot of activities which were very interesting and what was even better we won awards for our sheep.

Oscar Pedler Year 9

The show was pretty good, the sheep we bought to the show won a few awards. Our school came 7^th in best pen, 3^rd in most profitable fleece and 2^nd in weight gain. We learnt many skills this year while working with the sheep. I enjoyed the show a lot. I am happy for the experience

Angus Gilby Year 10

On the 8^th of September four year 10’2 and two year 9’s travelled to Adelaide for the Merino Wether Competition (the Royal Show). When we got to the show grounds we weighed them and set them up for the next day. On the 9^th Sept we got up bright and early and made our way to Wayville Showgrounds to show our sheep. We had a lot of fun and we learnt a lot about our sheep as well as life skills, such as ironing shirts and tying ties.

Lara Zanker Year 10

On September the 8^th four-year 10's and two year 9’s headed down to Adelaide Showgrounds to unload and prepare the sheep for the coming day. We stayed at Warradale Urban Camp and got to know the other schools staying with us. We spent the night preparing our clothes whilst getting to know each other better. The next morning, we woke at 6am and headed back to the showgrounds, we cleaned the sheep and prepared for the long day ahead. By the end of the day we had won 3 ribbons. The girls successfully won 7^th for the best pen for our 3 wethers out of 70 schools and the 3^rd highest for fleece value. The boys also won 2^nd for the highest weight gain.

I enjoyed the experience and made new friends over the 2 days. I learnt a lot about the AG industry and can’t wait to go again next year.

Bella Zwar Year 10

On Sunday the 13th I represented Gladstone High School at the Beef Carcase Competitions in Adelaide. Here 2 representatives from each school were invited to attend and watch the presentation of ribbons. Once again the school was very successful in this competition winning numerous awards including; 

• Reserve Champion Light Domestic Carcase (Shorthorn- Bear)
• First Place in Best Light Domestic Eating Quality Carcase (Shorthorn- Bear)
• Second in Schools Light Domestic Class (Shorthorn- Bear)
• First in Schools Heavy Domestic Class (Black Angus- Nigel)
• Second in Best Black Angus Carcase (Nigel) 
• First in Highest Scoring Shorthorn Carcase (Bear)

Nicola Wright AG Teacher

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