NARACOORTE High School teacher Romy Bennett has encouraged her students and other SE youngsters to take part in the SA Junior Heifer Expo, held in Adelaide last week, after enjoying the event in her teenage years.
"I know how beneficial it was to me when I was younger," she said. "I grew up on a small property with sheep and cattle, so I always had an interest in it."
Originally from Mundulla, Romy is in her first year teaching at Naracoorte and was approached by Limek Limousins at Western Flat to find suitable expo entrants.
"They approached me asking if I knew any kids at school or any from home," she said. "I knew some girls from home who worked with animals, so I thought they'd be handy, and I was approached by a girl at school who was interested, so there were six competing in total.
"The girls came out to Limek once a week to prepare their heifers."
Romy said the expo played a vital role in attempts to encourage the next generation of country kids to work in agriculture.
"It's really good to show them what's out there in the industry, and a lot of the time, once they've got an interest in it, they start pursuing careers in the industry, which is so important," she said.
"It's also an opportunity for kids who are not off studs or cattle properties to learn more.
"The education program is really well structured to target all levels of previous knowledge."
Competing for the first time, Macey, 12, said the event had been "fun, exciting and scary at the same time".
"You're always worried that your heifer might play up and drag you," she said.
Growing up around horses helped Macey develop her animal handling skills, which came in handy when handling her Limousin heifer Limek Keeper.
"I've really enjoyed learning how to lead the cattle, and being judged on how you do," she said.
