The future of agriculture is looking strong, with hundreds of students from across the region set to compete in the second annual South Coast Beef School Steer Spectacular in May.
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Around 300 students from 16 schools, up from last year's 10 schools, have been caring for a steer for the past 13 weeks.
Nowra, Bomaderry and Shoalhaven high school students are among the competitors.
The students will present their steer for the first part of the 'hoof and hook' competition at Nowra Showground on May 7 and 8, with the public welcome to attend.
The 'hoof competition' will take place on May 11 at Milton District Meats.
Organised by the South Coast Beef Producers Association, the competition encourages students to immerse themselves in animal handling, agribusiness, and animal science.
The Led Steer Championship, Paraders Championship and Junior Judging will all be overseen by a panel of judges.
Organiser Rob Stafford said the student's will be held to industry standard.
"They're aiming to finish to carcass specifications that Milton Meats has," he said.
The second part of the competition will see students deliver a presentation to the judges on what they've learned during their 13 weeks caring, feeding and preparing their steer.
"We want them to see that there is a strong future in agriculture. Whether it's on the farm, in agronomy, or rural journalism - there's so many options," Rob said.
While the steers stay behind for slaughter at Milton Meats, Rob said students know the reality.
"They've spent weeks preparing so they understand this," he said.
"If you look at the National Farmer's Federation list of priorities, one is to increase participation in agriculture and this is what we want.
"After last year's competition we had four young women who went on to tertiary studies in agricultural fields."
The final winner will be announced at a special dinner after May 11.
Jervis Bay Meat Company has pre-bought the champion carcass, while Rosebank Quality Meats in Kiama has bought the reserve champion carcass.
Steers are provided by association members and feed given by Manildra Stockfeeds.