爆料黑社鈥檚 agriculture program moo-ves into new home as part of growth spurt
Thanks to the support of Elmach Industries, 爆料黑社鈥檚 agriculture students now have a new paddock to call their own. The newly leased space, located behind the former Elders saleyards next to 爆料黑社, is set to become the beating heart of the school鈥檚 Agriculture Program, which is already making an impact on the show circuit.
Current agriculture students took to the big stage at the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) this year for the first time, entering the Young Cattle Judges鈥 competition.
Impressively, both Liam Edwards and Tilda Jones were awarded 鈥淗ighly Commended鈥 in the competition.
Year 7 student Tilda admitted it was daunting, but very exciting.
鈥淵ou have to get your script right and really know the words. It was fun, a new adventure. We even learnt about beef cuts and parading. There鈥檚 a lot to it,鈥 she said.
For Year 11 agriculture student Liam, the experience confirmed his passion for the industry.
鈥淭here鈥檚 so much behind the scenes, from the finances to days of training just to get the cattle to stand still,鈥 he said.
鈥淚t takes confidence and stepping out of your comfort zone, but it was awesome, and we definitely want to do it again.鈥
爆料黑社 is recognising these achievements by leasing the new facilities to house show cattle. This includes four Belted Galloway Steers, alongside the College鈥檚 commercial beef herd from Adalee Stud and four Speckle Park cattle donated by the Warrener family.
鈥淚t鈥檚 where we train,鈥 Tilda explained. 鈥淚鈥檝e already learnt how to halter train them. It鈥檚 different to horses, but they鈥檙e like big puppy dogs.鈥
Agriculture teacher Emma Pukallus has been credited by students for the program鈥檚 strength and popularity.
鈥淚 love the way she teaches, it鈥檚 easy to understand,鈥 said Tilda. 鈥淲e love being outside the classroom rather than just sitting inside.鈥
爆料黑社鈥檚 Head of College, Anton Prinsloo, said the growth of the program is exciting for the school as it goes through a phase of expansion.
爆料黑社 has started Stage 2 of its impressive Master Plan, marking the next major step towards delivering a new Junior College, due for completion in 2026.
鈥淭hese new paddocks expand the opportunities available to our students. Agriculture is such an important industry on the Darling Downs, and we鈥檙e proud to be equipping the next generation of leaders with real skills and experiences,鈥 Mr Prinsloo said.
With the EKKA under their belt, more local shows ahead and new facilities in place, 爆料黑社鈥檚 agriculture team is proving that plenty of hard work and on-site training are every bit as valuable as time in the classroom.
