Narrogin cattle program on the moo-ve

A group of students from Narrogin will compete at this year’s Perth Royal Show after impressing judges with their cattle presentation and handling skills at regional qualifying events.

The all-female team from the WA College of Agriculture – Narrogin delivered a strong performance in the cattle paraders competition at the Harvey Agricultural Show in April to secure a start at September’s Royal Show finale.

The success came after the college returned to cattle show competitions for the first time in six years.

Narrogin student Mia Ewen claimed top honours at Harvey in the 1st junior paraders category and said it was a proud moment to share with her fellow rookie handlers.

“We started from scratch,” she said. 

“It’s taken a lot of dedication, persistence, consistency and understanding to get our cattle to where they are now.

“Every show, we select the best of our registered commercial flock, stay optimistic and hope for the best for our cattle.

“We are still learning but we have worked on our breeding program to help us become more competitive in the show industry and add value to our livestock.”

In preparation for the Harvey Regional Show, the Narrogin team notched a quinella at Wagin Woolorama in March, with Katie Crosby getting the nod over Bridie Northey in the interschool heifer challenge against Esperance Senior High School.

Katie also won the junior beef paraders – champion sub intermediate title at the WA Youth Cattle Camp in April, with teammate Emily Willcocks victorious in the team leader award - 1st sub intermediate category. 

Mia said the support and guidance provided by college technical officer, Ebony Hill, was a key factor in the team’s success.

“Miss Hill’s enthusiasm, passion and motivation have put our showing back in business,” she said.

“She has provided us with many opportunities in the industry to explore, learn and understand knowledge and theory behind cattle. 

“We have been able to show, attend camps, help educate others, and gain more experience and confidence”.

Miss Hill said competing on the show circuit had enriched learning opportunities for students studying a Certificate II or III in Agriculture.

“The student focus is on learning, making connections and personal growth,” she said.

“It develops students’ confidence to translate theory into practice, while building industry awareness and connections.”

Set on 1,404 hectares of farmland, WA College of Agriculture – Narrogin continues to support the state’s agricultural communities by educating the next generation of farmers.

“We learn stock handling, welfare practices and livestock maintenance,” Mia said.

“Joining the cattle crew has helped tick off many of my Cert III units and gain a better understanding of how to read and handle animals”.

Clare Roser, principal at WA College of Agriculture – Narrogin, was thrilled the team qualified for the Perth Royal Show in their first year.

“As the emerging leaders of our industry, we are very proud to see our students thrive as they represent our college and the WA agricultural education sector,” she said.