Year 9 Agriculture students claimed the major prize for Chevalier College at the recent South Coast Beef School Steer Spectacular.
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The students secured a record-breaking score of 99/100 for the middle weight and grand champion carcase.
The gold medal champion steer was an eight-month-old Murray Grey named 'Q 119' by the students.
It was bred by Rod Hoare, Cadfor Murray Greys, Binda.
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Agriculture Teacher and Show Team co-ordinator for this competition and program Hayley Mahoney said it was the second year in a row the school had partnered with Rod and Helena.
"Both years we've walked away with a gold medal, champion middle weight and grand champion carcase result," she said.
The students had two steers to prepare for the competition.
The other one was an Angus X Limo, given the really original name of 'Angus' by the team, which was bred by Ron Arthur. Angus placed third on the hoof.
The Year 9 Agriculture students took on the competition as a class project, breaking in the steers, feeding and preparing them, with the assistance of the Show Team students - all while overcoming the challenges of Covid-19.
"Traditionally it's a two-day show," Hayley said.
"There are usually workshops on day one and exhibiting the steers on day two.
"Obviously this could not occur, so the organisers live-streamed the live judging on the Thursday and the carcase results on the Saturday. This way the students could still see and hear what was happening."
"It was great to see the steers go from paddock to plate."
Hayley said that after the disappointment of the Sydney Royal Show being cancelled, it meant a lot to the students to be able to participate in this competition.
"To see their steers being judged and commented on. It was almost like we were there but without the 4am start," she said.
"The students were very excited about the competition and the win."
Hayley said that the record-breaking 99/100 score on the hook was an amazing result to achieve in this competition, producing a prized perfect body of beef for any butcher or restaurant.
"Jervis Bay Meat Company in Vincentia will process the carcase - so you know where to go if you want some good quality beef," she said.
Asked about career options from the Agriculture and Primary Industries courses taught at Chev, Hayley offers this advice to students.
"Agriculture is booming and in particular with technology. You don't need to be a 'farmer' to be involved in agriculture. To get into a career in agriculture you can get work straight after school, and go to TAFE or university for further study."
"You don't always need a qualification to get into agriculture - you need passion, be reliable, be willing to work hard.
"For every university graduate, there is at least 7-8 ag-related jobs waiting to be filled.
"It's the one occupation that provides for everyone as least three times a day - for breakfast, lunch and dinner!"
