Two students with a passion for cattle and agriculture had the opportunity to further their studies with hands-on experience this month thanks to a Heatherbrae business.
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Rachael Fisher and Sam Price from Hunter River High School received the inaugural Civcon scholarship, which made it possible for the pair to attend the two-day beef cattle assessment course at Tocal Agricultural College.
The course, now in its 38th year, is widely recognised as the most practical and hands-on beef cattle selection course of its kind in Australia and internationally.
Fisher and Price, both 15, were awarded the scholarship based on their commitment to the school’s cattle team and enthusiasm for their studies.
The school’s science and agricultural teacher, plus cattle team coordinator, Andrew Abercrombie, described Fisher and Price as excellent ambassadors and worthy recipients of the scholarships.
“These two have shown great enthusiasm for cattle showing and always conduct themselves in the best possible manner at all times,” he said.
“They are genuinely interested in cattle and have proven that they are worthy of such a valuable course to hopefully enable them to further their skills and to pass some knowledge on to the other students.”
The scholarship came about after staff from the school approached businesses in the area in 2016 about the possibility of sponsoring students committed to the cattle team and had an interest in working in the agricultural industry after finishing high school.
The value of the scholarship covers the cost to send two students to the two-day beef cattle course including accommodation and meals.
Heatherbrae water service and solutions business Civcon liked the idea of linking with the high school and supporting the aspirations of students.
“We have a good relationship with Hunter River High School and have worked on a number of projects together in the past,” Karl Atkin from Civcon said.
“The scholarship program will enable us to continue supporting each other and building positives.”
Fisher and Price selected agriculture to study in years 9 and 10 and have been part of the school’s cattle team for three years.
“They have given up their own time during lunch break every day and on Wednesday afternoons over the past two years, to work on their cattle showing skills,” Mr Abercrombie said.
“They have both been showing cattle and participating in judging competitions at Maitland, Singleton and Newcastle shows as well as the School Steers Challenge at Tocal.
“They have both discussed the idea of wanting to work in agriculture as a career after school.”
Fisher is beginning a school-based apprenticeship and traineeship next year and working at a dairy farm.