From Classroom to Cattle: Georgia's Experience at Beef Week 2024

When it comes to the vibrant world of cattle shows, few students can boast the level of dedication and experience that Georgia, a Year 11 student at Downlands College, brings to the table. With nearly seven years under her belt as part of the school's Cattle Show Team, Georgia’s passion for the cattle industry is both deep-rooted and evident in her enthusiasm. Georgia recently won BEEF 2024’s Commercial Young Judges competition placing first out of 250 other competitors. Georgia also placed second in the young Stud Judges competition. 

 

A Lifelong Passion for Cattle 

Georgia began her journey with the Cattle Show Team in Year 5, driven by her longstanding interest and familial background in the cattle industry. "I have always been interested in cattle showing as I have always had a background in the cattle industry," she explains. This early exposure has clearly shaped her commitment and expertise, making her a valuable member of the team. 

 

Sharing Knowledge and Building Community 

One of Georgia’s favourite aspects of being on the Cattle Show Team is the opportunity to share her extensive knowledge with others and collaborate with students of all ages. "My favourite thing about cattle show is getting to share my knowledge with other people and being able to work with students of all ages," she says. This sense of community and mentorship is a cornerstone of her experience, fostering a supportive environment for everyone involved. 

 

Hands-On Learning at Rockhampton BEEF Week 

During Rockhampton BEEF Week, Georgia, along with her team, took on the role of working for a stud or fitting service. This hands-on experience provided them with an invaluable glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the cattle industry. "At BEEF we were working for a stud or fitting service and getting firsthand experience in what it's like working in the industry," she shares. This practical exposure is designed to enhance their knowledge and potentially pave the way for future job opportunities within the field. 

 

A Day in the Life on a Stud 

Working for a stud is no easy feat, as Georgia can attest. The days are long and start early—around 4am—to ensure everything is prepped and ready for the day ahead. Show days, in particular, are hectic, with everyone pitching in to get the work done efficiently. 

 

Gaining Valuable Industry Contacts 

The experience at BEEF Week has not only deepened Georgia's understanding of the cattle industry but has also expanded her professional network. "From working at BEEF, I have gained a lot more contacts within the industry and have also received many job opportunities working with other studs at shows," she says. These connections are crucial for her future career prospects and highlight the importance of such immersive experiences. 

 

Georgia’s journey with the Cattle Show Team and her experiences at Rockhampton BEEF Week serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and hands-on learning can open doors to future opportunities. Her story is a testament to the value of early involvement in industry-related activities and the lifelong benefits they can provide. 


Read More Downlands news

Students playing guitar on stage.
October 8, 2025
Experience the Magic of PROMS! Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars as we celebrate the incredible talents of our Downlands performing arts students! From dazzling dance troupes and captivating instrumental ensembles to our vibrant choirs, this outdoor concert promises to inspire and entertain. Bring along a picnic rug, blanket, or chair, and gather your family and friends for a magical night of music and performance.
A group of dancers are standing on a stage.
September 22, 2025
Join us for the 2025 Downlands Dance Showcase
Rural Operations students at Downlands On-site Farm
June 13, 2025
At Downlands College Rural Centre, you might come across some raised garden beds that look a little different from the usual veggie patch. Beneath these mounds, something special is quietly taking place. Our Year 11 Rural Operations students recently began a hügelkultur project, exploring whether alternative gardening methods can promote sustainable food production in our local climate. Hügelkultur (pronounced “hoo-gell-culture”) is an age-old agricultural practice rooted in German and Eastern European traditions. The term means “mound culture” or “hill culture,” reflecting its distinct shape. The process involves building up layers of decaying wood, organic material, soil, and compost to create a living, breathing garden bed. Over time, this mound enriches the soil, nurtures the plants above, and exemplifies the beauty of working in harmony with nature’s cycles. It’s a method that values renewal and resourcefulness. Guided by their teacher, Mr Will Mann, the students scouted the paddock for old logs, branches, and woody debris, to form the foundation of their mounds. They then layered sticks, leaf litter, and green garden waste, collected from around the school. Each layer brought different textures and nutrients to the mix, creating the perfect environment for decomposition. Finally, the mounds were topped with a rich layer of soil and compost, locking in moisture and providing an ideal space for planting vegetables. Through teamwork and care, the class transformed an empty patch of earth into a living garden bed that will serve the College for seasons to come. The hügelkultur project is more than a lesson in alternative gardening. It’s an opportunity for students to learn about self-sufficiency, environmental care, and the value of shared effort. "I wanted the students to be given an opportunity to try a different way of producing food to what they might have seen in the past. Simple ideas like this are hopefully going to help with sustainability in the future," Mr Mann says. And through hands-on experience in Agriculture crop establishment, our Rural Operations students are learning skills that go beyond the textbook. "Taking what was just a bare patch of dirt and transforming it into a thriving garden, hopefully, is giving the students a unique opportunity to do a full establishment of a crop. They are also learning alternative ways to produce a similar product to what is conventionally used in Australia, and hopefully, inspiring them with a new way of looking at the needs of a changing industry and growing into thoughtful stewards of the land." Downlands College is dedicated to supporting the future of farming. Our renowned Agricultural Science program is a standout feature of our curriculum, offering students hands-on learning opportunities at our 14-hectare on-site farm, the College Rural Centre. The Downlands Agricultural curriculum combines high standards with practical experience, inspiring students to excel in both Agricultural Science and Vocational Education programs. With a focus on real-world learning, our students gain valuable skills in farming, sustainability, and agricultural innovation.
Show More