Tenterfield High School may only be a small school, but it certainly punches above its weight when it comes to achievement and participation in agricultural shows and activities.
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At the recent Northern Schools Lamb competition in Inverell, the school took out champion medium weight, champion and reserve heavy weight, grand champion hoof and supreme champion hoof and hook.
These results are not isolated ones for the school, in 2023 they achieved both grand champion steer in the hoof competition and grand champion carcass in the hook competition at the Northern Schools Steer Competition.
They also won grand champion carcass in the Northern School Prime Pig competition.
The local Tenterfield Show is always a highlight of the year, with the school proudly exhibiting their Angus cattle stud and flock of sheep.
"We have so many students who want to participate, we have a difficult time juggling the animals between them," Agriculture teacher, Phil Jones said.
"It is a phenomenal experience, particularly for our younger kids, who learn so much from our older and more experienced students".
Tenterfield High School also participates in the NSW Schools Merino Wether Challenge.
This challenge has 50-60 schools from right around NSW compete in a six-month competition to prepare six merino wethers for a commercial competition where the animals are judged in both wool and carcass competitions.
The Merino Wether Challenge competition is held each August at Dubbo as part of the Rabobank NSW Sheep Show and sale.
Students have the opportunity to attend many workshops at the competition and view first hand some of the best Merino sheep in the world.
However, the highlight of Tenterfield High School's Agricultural program would have to be the Ekka where every year the school takes between 20 - 24 students and 10 -12 head of cattle to Brisbane to participate in the show.
All students take part in the junior judging as well as lead and prepare cattle for parade. The experience would not be possible without the generous support of local breeders as well as parents who help with transport and supervision.
Principal Stephanie Scott attended her first Ekka last year and said it was a culmination of things to make such a special event.
"It is the teamwork, sense of responsibility and purpose the students have, as well as just the overall experience of competing in such a huge event, that makes this so invaluable," Principal Scott said.
The school's success in Agriculture is not just confined to shows, with HSC results in Agriculture and Primary Industries consistently above state average and in Years 9 and 10 Agriculture is one of the most popular electives.
The school also regularly offers a yearly shearing school, where students learn the art of shearing from experienced shearers. Students also get the opportunity to attend a variety of agricultural expos as well as explore a range of post school university and career agricultural options.
Agriculture also plays an important role in linking the school with the community. Every year, the school farm hosts a visit for residents from the local aged care homes. The students serve the residents morning tea and help them to see the animals and the facilities.
"To see our students be so kind, gentle and helpful with the older residents is incredibly touching," Mr Jones said.
"Many of the residents lived on farms so they love the opportunity to connect with the animals and agriculture again".
The Agricultural success of Tenterfield High School is a result of the passion and commitment of the staff, teachers Phil Jones and Olivia Parker, and farm assistant, Hughie McCowen.
"We couldn't offer what we do without these three" Principal Scott said. "The tireless effort that goes into every show and the commitment to ensure every student gets an opportunity to work with an animal is incredible.
"You can tell the love of what they do is infectious as every year more and more students want to study Agriculture and be involved in the extra-curricular shows and activities."
