There was no Royal Melbourne Show this year, but that didn't stop the cattle handling team at Rutherglen High School winning a prestigious title.
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The Borthwick Trophy was established in 1953 and is the premier pure-breed-steer team competition in Australia.
Agricultural schools and cattle breeders still had the chance to exhibit their cattle in September, and Rutherglen High entered alongside Meadow Vale Australian Shorthorns to form the Australian Shorthorn team.
Rutherglen's team co-captain Sarah White, 17, said the exhibit of three steers won the trophy and it was the first time the Australian Shorthorns had won.
"It was pretty huge for us to take out the trophy," she said.
"This was the first year we haven't been able to go to the show - it was a little bit sad."
The steer the students raised was donated by Spencer Family Shorthorns and their efforts throughout the year preparing were impeded by COVID-19.
Some of the 12 members were unable to undertake their usual activities, co-captain Emma English said.
"Some people couldn't get over the border," she said.
"We had a two-week roster, with morning and afternoon feeds, so if people couldn't do that we got someone else."
The cattle program runs alongside Rutherglen High's farm to table program, led by teacher Ron Webb.
"A lot of these students then go into certificate two and three in agriculture," he said.
"This year was modified numbers - normally the team is about 16 and it's an interview process.
"Animals come in about Mach and they're trained and cared for, and the show is normally always the end-point.
Rutherglen High last won at the Royal Melbourne Show in 2018 and Mr Webb said taking part this year was different, with there being a carcase competition but no parading competition, and no staff able to attend.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Royal Agricultural Show Society of Victoria beef cattle committee chair David Bolton presented the team with a personalised trophy on Friday.
The real Borthwick Trophy is inscribed with the team's name.
"I want to thank you so much for entering, it's been a tough for everybody and to get 138 entries like we did was absolutely fantastic," he said.
"I encourage you to stick with it."
