Six Braidwood students went to Moss Vale during the school holidays to participate in the South Eastern Region Junior Limousin Classic. We took two steers to the show, Dudley, Limousin-cross donated by Ken Harrison, and Earl a Murray Grey-cross bred from the schools ag plot. The two steers participated in the all-breed steer section of the show, which was judged by Jim Hindmarsh. All steers were judged according to specifications for the domestic market (supermarket meat) and, as such, our steers did not place, as the two cattle have been prepared to EEC market requirements.

The five girls and one boy who make up the show team participated in the junior judging and paraders competitions with pleasing results. Jenni Pender-Seymour in her first show placed fourth out of a group of twenty-eight in the intermediate section of the junior judging and spoke well in front of a good crowd.

In the paraders competition, Kylie Hodgson placed third in the second heat of the intermediate section, being described by the judge as ‘a complete unit’. Simone Stuart also has success, ‘squeezing’ into fifth place in the first heat of the intermediate section.

Vanessa Williams and Simone Stuart won halters for showing improvement over the weekend, Cassy Moxon won an award for encouragement in the herdsman section of the show and Simone Stuart was also a member of the winning team in the herdsman competition of the show, taking home a medal. Vanessa Williams led the winning heifer, Premiere Exotic, and Kylie Hodgson led third place Willow Park Ultra in the under twenty-four month heifer class. Sam Lyons was not able to participate in the paraders competition on the last day due to illness but represented the school very well and, as always, was on hand to help anyone with anything. Thanks Sam.

All in all, a great experience for those involved and an excellent opportunity to brush up on some skills before the Dubbo National Steer later in October. We would like to thank Braidwood Rural Building Supplies for their sponsorship during the year and Ken Harrison for transporting the steers to and from the show. Also big thanks to Deb Stuart who continues to give up her time to drive the bus for the students and organise the campsite.