Seymour College students Bryce, Max, Nylah, Jorga, Axl and Lilly with (second from the left) agriculture teacher Amanda McClaren at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show.
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Seymour College agriculture students have celebrated an outstanding few weeks of success in the show ring, showcasing their skills, commitment and knowledge at both the Melbourne Royal Show and Seymour Agricultural Show.
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The students’ achievements are a wonderful reflection of the practical learning opportunities provided through the college’s agriculture program.
The program supports students to develop skills and awareness in animal husbandry, cattle preparation, leading, presentation and judging, while gaining a genuine understanding of the Victorian livestock industry.
The recent success began at the Melbourne Royal Show, where students competed against schools from across Victoria, NSW and South Australia in the steer competition.
The students demonstrated an impressive level of preparation and professionalism, with their hard work rewarded by strong results.
The momentum continued at the Seymour Agricultural Show, where students had the opportunity to put their skills into practice on their home turf.
The show provided a valuable opportunity for Year 10 students to lead some Guernsey cattle, and experience the atmosphere and expectations of a major agricultural event.
Agriculture teacher Amanda McClaren said the students’ success was about much more than winning ribbons.
Nylah shows off the skills she’s acquired through the college’s agriculture program.
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“Our students are developing practical skills, confidence and an understanding of what it takes to work successfully with livestock,” Ms McClaren said.
“The show ring provides an authentic learning environment where students can apply the knowledge and skills they develop at school.”
The agriculture program provides students with valuable connections to the broader agricultural industry and demonstrates the important role schools can play in developing the next generation of people working in Victoria’s food and fibre sector.
For the students, participating in cattle competitions is an opportunity to develop responsibility, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and animal-handling skills in a real-world setting, learning from experienced cattle handlers.
“It has been fantastic to see our VCE students achieve such strong results at Melbourne Royal and then have our younger students step up and have a go at Seymour Ag Show,” Ms McClaren said.
“They are building skills that will stay with them well beyond their time at school.”
The college is now looking towards 2027, with an ambitious vision to expand opportunities for students, and strengthen partnerships with agricultural businesses and industry.
Seymour College is inviting agricultural businesses, livestock producers, rural businesses and industry organisations to partner with the Agriculture program next year.
Businesses can support students through sponsorship, livestock, feed, equipment, mentoring, industry experiences, professional expertise, or other forms of partnership.
