Consistent quality genetics from Maryvale Limousin stud have been the key to Mount Compass Area School's continued success in steer competitions.
Last year they won reserve champion export steer on-hoof with a Limousin from the Kapunda-based stud and backed it up with the heavy domestic champion in Stock Journal's Steer Showdown with another Limousin entry.
The 482-kilogram steer, Maryvale Bruno, was selected as the winner of class two with the September 2019-drop calf's growth for age impressing judge and Iranda Beef feedlot manager Tom Green.
After the completion of the night one broadcast, Stock Journal was notified that there had been a mix up with the video footage of Bruno - entry 15 - and another Mount Compass Area School steer, entry 44, Maryvale Doug. The steer data and still photographs displayed were correct, but unfortunately the footage was unable to be edited in the following nights' pre-recorded broadcast.
Mr Green was quickly notified of the issue and was given time to review the correct footage and rejudge classes 2 and 6, as well as reviewing his Heavy Domestic Champion.
However, Mr Green remained blown away by Bruno's growth for age, performance and carcase shape, and reaffirmed his initial judging decisions.
Mount Compass Area School teacher Kiara Edwards says they were elated to claim the broad ribbon against some top quality entries.
"The classes we were up against had some really good steers so we are over the moon to come away with it," she said.
Ms Edwards said Bruno was a "blueprint" to their 2019 champion Colin.
Bruno had consistently put on between 2kg/day and 2.5kg/day since arriving at the school in late February and had been an "absolute breeze" for the students to handle with his docile temperament.
"They (Maryvale steers) are easy cattle to grow out and because they are not huge with a typical Limousin frame, they are way easier to finish and get the fat coverage on," she said.
"We don't have to fuss about the fat with the Maryvale steers because they have the balance right with their compactness and length."
When last weighed, Bruno had put on another 62 kilograms since the weights were submitted for Steer Showdown in early August.
Ms Edwards says the video footage from Steer Showdown will be a huge benefit as a teaching resource for years to come.
But she says it has done far more, engaging the whole school community.
She received a steady stream of texts after the announcement from excited students and parents.
"We have had parents who work full-time that haven't been able to go to the show and watch the judging previously, or may not have the money to be able to go to the show, they were able to see what it was all about from their lounge room," she said.
"It (Steer Showdown) got the kids to prepare their steers as if they were being shown, so in the end they have not lost a lot but they have gained a lot."
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