Farmtech success at 2009 Gippsland Beef Challenge

30 October 2009

East Gippsland TAFE’s Farmtech students have just completed their year of competition at the Gippsland Beef Challenge at Sale with fantastic results.

This year two steers were entered into the Hoof, Hook and Hide Competition with Farmtech winning first place in six categories and second place in 4 categories along with three champion titles.

Agriculture students, with the support and guidance of Farmtech teachers, were involved in nurturing the steers for 16 months from birth. This involved feeding the cattle a strict diet of pasture and hay on a daily basis and regular weighing to monitor and assess their progress.

The steers were then hand picked by Farmtech students and trainers based on a number of factors including their temperament, muscling, structure, genetics and suitability for the targeted class range, with the final decision based on their poll traits.

Geoff Lonsdale, Farm Manager at Farmtech said: “The students, with the support of their teachers, demonstrated hard work, commitment and determination in preparing the steers for competition. We are thrilled with the results.”

Detailed results:

On the hoof
• 1st and 2nd in class 4 (restaurant class)
• 1st and 2nd in class 45
• 1st in class 52 for a Poll Hereford sired cross bred

On the hook
• 2nd in class 4
• 1st and 2nd in class 45
• 1st in class 52

The hide
• 1st in class 65

Overall
• Champion hide
• Champion Poll Hereford Sired Crossbred Animal
• Champion grass fed animal on the hoof