THE next generation of agriculture has a bright future, with young up and comers showing their dedication to the industry at an education day this week.
Held on Monday, the school-based event saw more than 160 students from 11 different schools across the state converge on the Jamestown Showgrounds for the day hosted by the Jamestown Show Sheep and Wool Committee.
Students were given hands-on experience with livestock including learning how to properly lead, clip, wash and judge animals ahead of the Royal Adelaide Show.
Although show skills were a large portion of the day, Sheep and Wool committee member Jenni-Lee Case said the day also gave students insight into what a career in the industry may look like.
"The day consists of cattle and sheep and it goes through everything from judging, show preparation and classing stock," she said.
"The biggest thing we're finding interest in is careers in ag.
"We've got kids from Year 9 to Year 12 wondering about pathways.
"They're finding out whether the need to go to university, what careers are out there for them in the industry, what they can achieve if they don't have land behind them or don't want to necessarily be a farmer.
"The kids were able to listen to real experiences from people in all aspects of the industry and give them a better understanding of all the different avenues they can go."
As the country show circuit starts to pick up again in the coming months after a hiatus due to the pandemic, Ms case said now was the best time to foster an interest in country shows.
"When I was younger, I'd look at the show as going and spending money but I never really sort of appreciated what they were about," she said.
"But they're such a pivotal point in rural towns.
"Having a day like this is instrumental in getting the kids interested in show societies and giving shows the best chance of bringing the next generation in."
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Gladstone High School student Chloe Crawford said although she grew up showing animals, the education day gave her a chance to fine tune her skills.
"When I was younger I was into showing quite a bit but I drifted away a little as I got older," she said.
"But I'm really enjoying getting back into it and coming along today for me was about improving those skills.
"I think it's great for students who don't have a background in ag to give them a taste but it's also really good to give people who grew up in the industry a different look at things."
Minlacowie stud principal Tom Honner was one of many industry professionals on deck to share their insights with the students on the day.
Mr Honner said getting involved in the event this year meant he could look back on his time showing animals in high school and pass that knowledge along.
"A lot of people later life reflect back on doing the show in high school as a milestone in their agricultural schooling," he said.
"I was lucky enough to be involved with steer and cattle competitions from a young age and the lifelong friendships I have gained are immeasurable."
Katie Jackson
Journalist at Stock Journal. Born into a journo family in the state's South East, Katie made the move to the big smoke to join the team in early 2022 after seven years spent at various mastheads in the regions.
Journalist at Stock Journal. Born into a journo family in the state's South East, Katie made the move to the big smoke to join the team in early 2022 after seven years spent at various mastheads in the regions.
