At the Lismore Show, Kyogle High School student Emily Newton, 14, said she has always wanted to work on a stud farm. She loves cows and loves being around them.

“I can talk to them,” she said. 

“They are like your buddies -when I do a show, I have a buddy with me. 

“I won second prize for Show Cow at Kyogle Show with my cow Pickles.

“I was nervous before I had to go into competition and she took my mind off being nervous. 

“She makes me happy.

“I like to treat them well and want to give them a good life before they go to the meatworks.”

Emily is one of the students participating in the cattle show at the North Coast National Lismore Show this year. 

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Emily Newton and Kathy Doman with the school cows getting ready for the competition judging at the North Coast National.

Along with Kyogle High School Agriculture teacher Kathy Doman and other students from Years 8 and 9, they are grooming their Angus Cross Stud cows getting ready to participate in the competition judging on the first day of the Show.

For more Lismore Show information, visit: Lismore Show

Kathy said the students were about to be judged on their skills parading the cows in the paraders competition.

“They also participate in the Hook and Hoof competition where the cows are judged as they stand, and also once the carcass is taken to the abattoir – it’s judged again,” Kathy said.

“The cows are judges on an even coverage of fat and muscle, their coat softness, and the amount of fat near the tail. 

“Angus Cross Studs are known for their meat marbling content – they have more fat than Brahman cows, which have a leaner meat.”

Kathy said three years ago, Kyogle High won champion cow in the schools cow competition and the carcass competition at Beef Week. 

Kyogle High student Charlotte Schneider said she comes from a beef farming family and it’s her passion to work with cattle.

“I want to make a career out of mustering cattle out west and I’ve already had experience on a station,” Charlotte said.

Kathy said learning about agriculture was important for the students interested in working in agriculture so they can get an understanding of the industry.

“They learn about animal welfare, as well as marketing and business management,” she said.

“Careers in agriculture can be so broad and cater for lots of people. 

“They can into the sciences, or pasture management, technology and animal nutrition.”

The Lismore Show runs for three days from Thursday October 17 until Saturday October 19.

Events will be happening each day, including poultry, cattle and equestrian events.

There’s also a comedy show for children, the community stage with a big line up of performers each day, the Dock Dogs splashing into a pool, as well as carnival rides, monster trucks and a Lego building competition. 

Entry is free for school children and adult tickets cost $12.50.

The schedule is available online at http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/