The school has returned to form with its second title in five years.

Tocal provides participating agricultural schools with the Brangus steers (Angus-Brahman cross) so students can raise them on a precise feed ration designed for muscle and fat gain, and overall carcass quality.

Hunter River High students took delivery of the streets on June 1 and worked hard to prepare them for judging in September.

Each day at break-one the students would practice skills like washing, grooming and clipping, as well as preparing the steers to walk on a lead. There was further work on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 5pm.

The students then took the steers back to Tocal College on September 13 for on-hoof judging. Judges awarded points for weight gain and overall presentation while the students paraded the cattle.

Students were also asked questions about how they cared for the steers and were marked on their husbandry skills.

Hunter River High was near the top of the points at this stage.

The second half of the competition was completed at the abattoirs where experts judged the processed carcass on muscling, fat cover and tenderness against MSA (Meat Standards Australia) standards. 

This pushed Hunter River High three points clear to win the overall competition on 106 points.