A Day in the Life of a Downlands Student at Rockhampton BEEF Week

Rockhampton BEEF Week is a significant event for those passionate about the cattle industry, and for Hamish, a Year 11 student at Downlands College, it is an experience brimming with learning and excitement. Hamish alongside three other Downlanders was a part of the winning team that took out first place in the Schools Team Judging competition. We sat down with Hamish to understand what a typical day looks like and what the event means to him. 

 

What’s your name and what year level are you in? 

Hamish in Year 11. 

 

How long have you been a part of the Cattle Show Team here at Downlands? 

I’ve been part of the College's Cattle Show Team for two years but have shown cattle beforehand. 

 

Have you always been interested in being part of the Cattle Show Team? 

I have always been interested in the Cattle Show Team, and it influenced my decision to move to Downlands. 

 

What is your favourite thing about being in the Cattle Show Team? 

My favourite thing about being a part of the Cattle Show Team is the new experiences and opportunities around the beef industry, as well as the chance to meet new people from different grades and create new friendships. 

 

What have you been doing at BEEF? What has your experience been so far? 

At BEEF, I worked for a local cattle stud that had three different breeds of cattle including Limousines, Angus, and Brahmans. We have competed in the prime judges, team judges, and stud judges’ competitions, where the school was very successful. My experience so far has been unreal. I have enjoyed every minute of it, meeting new faces in the industry and learning new skills from the best of the best. 

 

What does working for a stud look like? What’s a day in the life? 

Getting out of bed around 4am is common, before cleaning out the cattle stalls and feeding the cattle. If the cattle are being shown, we must wash, blow dry, and comb the cattle to show them off to their best ability. Then, we go into the cattle ring with other cattle of the same breed to compare which animal is superior on a range of criteria. 

 

What opportunities do you think you’ll get or have received from being at BEEF and working for a stud? 

After winning stud young judges for my age group, I have been invited to be the associate judge at the Esk Show later in the year. Judging is an opportunity for the community to see your ability to compare and assess cattle. Additionally, I am discussing career options in the agriculture industry with different companies promoting various programs to school graduates to see what they have to offer. 

Hamish’s journey at Rockhampton BEEF Week is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of young individuals in the agricultural sector. Through hard work and a passion for cattle, Hamish is not only gaining invaluable experience but also paving the way for a promising future in the industry. 


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Downlands student in a blue lab coat photographing soil

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