Randy rules the ring at Mount Gambier Show schools' led steer competition

Mount Gambier Show led steer competition

Pictures supplied

A Limousin/Hereford steer exhibited by Allendale East Area School has risen to the top of the Mount Gambier Show schools' led steer competition.

Judges Nicole Muller, Mount Gambier and Georgie Beighton, Penola, gave the tri-coloured ribbon to Caladenia Randy, impressed by the steer's "correctness, power, softness, mobility and muscle along the topline".

The 666-kilogram steer was the second heaviest of 26 steers exhibited by eight SE schools.

It caps off a tremendous showing season for the small school, which also had the reserve champion domestic steer at the Melbourne Royal Show last month.

Allendale East agriculture teacher Danielle Tulak, who also organises the steer show each year said it was "not all about the ribbons", but getting the result was the "icing on the cake" after two very successful years at Melbourne and Mount Gambier.

"The students have been on a steep learning curve throughout the year and it has been good for them to take care of something that isn't themselves," she said.

"They are a bit of a mixed group of Year 7 to Year 9's, not necessarily off farms so they have come a long way."

Ms Tulak said Randy had been at the school since January and had been donated by Michael Black from Eight Mile Creek, who was a member of the school's governing council.

"When I picked him out, I liked the shape of him, I thought he was the complete package and really soft," she said.

"I thought he was going to be too big for Melbourne because they have the maximum carcase weight, so I said to the breeder that I would hold onto him for Mount Gambier.

"He has really picked up in the late winter and laid down the fat, which is what we wanted."

Bordertown High School exhibited the reserve champion steer at Mount Gambier - a Shorthorn steer, Belmore Vroom Vroom, exhibited by the Withers family, Naracoorte.

The 15-month-old weighed 544kg.

"He is soft and you can feel the eye muscle on the topline when you put your hand on him," Ms Muller said.

The ribbons were well spread with Lucindale Area School given the nod for best presented animal with their Poll Hereford steer, Wongawilli Virgil.

Ms Tulak said it was a great opportunity for younger agriculture students to gain experience in a relaxed environment before attending the Royal Adelaide Show led steer competition.

She was also proud that nearly 140 students competed in the handlers' classes.

Champion experienced handler was Scarlett Densley from Keith Area School, while the champion novice handler was Will Harris from Naracoorte High School.

The steers were processed at Teys Naracoorte abattoir and will also be judged on-hook.