The Denman pupils returned home with three grand champion ribbons, seven parader awards and a couple of plaudits for junior judging.

“I would like to congratulate the students on their commitment, professionalism, good humour and respect of themselves, others and – more importantly – our animals,” principal Aaron Moon said.

“I am so proud of them all.

“Beef Bonanza is one of the largest cattle events in NSW with more than 450 steers and heifers competing and in excess of 800 students involved over the three days at Scone.

“On Friday, St Joseph’s took part in the School Steer Challenge. 

“As part of this [challenge], you are given a steer (Bullseye), supplied by Waverly Station, as well as one tonne of feed supplied by Alexander Downs.

“The pupils then had to prepare Bullseye for his appearances in the ring.

“Competing against 11 other primary schools in our group, we picked up champion school (herdsmen) while Campbell Hinze was awarded champion primary parader.

“It was an amazing day for the SJD cattle show team.”

The open competition featured similar numbers on Saturday.

“We were unplaced in the steer class,” Mr Moon said.

“Both Garry and Bullseye were in the heavyweight class, however they weren’t big and soft enough to earn a ribbon. 

“Kade and Diesel did a great job in leading these animals.

“Abby’s heifer, led superbly by Mason, was unlucky in her class.

“But, all the students did brilliantly in the parader’s class.

“There were more than 120 pupils in this competition and we were able to secure eight ribbons across 12 heats, including Addie Hagan – 3rd, William Henley – 5th, Diesel Hagan – 1st, Mason Meyer – 1st, Dylan Gardiner – 3rd and Georgia Straney – 4th.

“After winning their heats, Mason [Meyer] and Diesel [Hagan] both qualified for the final.

“They did a terrific job against the other 10 competitors.

“And, Diesel was named the champion primary parader.

“This is a tremendous event, not alone to have Diesel win, but to have two students in the top 120 is outstanding for SJD.

“Congratulations boys.”

On the Sunday, the students participated in junior judging.

“This is where the pupils have to judge four heifers, steers and bulls and they must also answer questions about the animals,” Mr Moon said.

“As we were cleaning out the stables and beginning our pack up we heard the names called for junior judging orals.

“We were excited to hear Dylan Gardiner’s and Cambell Hinze’s names read out.

“These boys then had 30 minutes to prepare a speech about the heifers and present that to the crowd.

“Both did a tremendous job presenting their speeches in a loud and clear manner. 

“They received highly commended ribbons.

“It was another great effort for SJD having two students in the final with more than 100 pupils competing in this event.

“Diesel then competed in the grand champion parade decider.

“He did really well, however the under-17’s student took away the title.”