UPDATE: Armidale Secondary College has claimed victory at the Northern Schools Prime Steer competition, held in Walcha on October 15, 2025. The school’s Agriculture students showcased their skills, taking home multiple awards in what has become a standout year for the institution.
The competition brought together schools from the New England, Northwest, and North Coast regions, providing students with opportunities to compete in events such as cattle handling, parading, and junior judging. “This event is all about bringing schools together for competition,” said Mark Fisher, ASC Agriculture Teacher and Farm and Livestock Team Manager.
Armidale Secondary College entered seven Limousin steers, dominating the under 400 kg class with a remarkable sweep of first, second, and third place. The middleweight steer earned the title of first and champion, while the heavyweight steer, named ‘Rumble’, secured both first in his class and the title of Grand Champion beast of the show.
Mr. Fisher emphasized the exceptional performance of the livestock team, stating they also excelled in the cattle handling section. “The livestock team students did extremely well and won multiple prizes,” he noted. “It’s a huge team effort by the students and staff.”
The event included learning seminars and meat judging, enhancing the educational experience for participants. ASC relies on longstanding relationships with beef producers who supply quality exhibition cattle, which are managed by students from lightweight weaners to show-ready steers.
Throughout this process, students gain invaluable skills, from leading and grooming the animals to understanding weight, muscle, and fat specifications. “We try to instill in our students a strong work ethic,” Mr. Fisher explained. “They learn to work successfully as a team, preparing them for tertiary education and future employment.”
The motto of “work hard, play hard” resonates throughout the program, as students not only focus on their responsibilities but also have opportunities to socialize and network with peers from other schools and industry professionals.
This recent achievement marks another successful chapter in Armidale Secondary College’s agricultural program, fostering both personal and professional development among its students. With the competition behind them, the school is looking to build on this momentum for future events.
As the agricultural community continues to evolve, the skills learned at competitions like these will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Stay tuned for more updates on Armidale Secondary College’s ongoing success in agricultural education.
