Next Generation Steps Up at SA Angus School Cattle Assessment Workshop
The strength of the next generation in the beef industry was on full display in the Adelaide Hills on Tuesday 17 March, with 60 students taking part in the SA Angus Schools Cattle Assessment Workshop at Mount Pleasant.
Delivered by SA Angus and supported by Angus Australia, the workshop brought together Year 10, 11 and 12 students from across the Adelaide Hills and Southern Barossa, including Birdwood, Mount Barker, Nuriootpa, Faith Lutheran, Oakbank and Trinity.
Facilitated by Jake Phillips, Phillips Livestock Solutions (PLS), the day was designed to bridge the gap between what students see in the show ring and what the commercial market is actually demanding.
The day kicked off at the Mount Pleasant Showgrounds with a structured theory session, laying the foundation for how cattle should be assessed in a practical, commercial sense.
Students worked through:
- Muscle and yield potential
- Fat cover and distribution
- Maturity patterns and growth type
- Structural balance and constitution
- Market suitability and commercial price signals amongst processor and feedlot grids
- Selection criteria for their school steer program
A strong focus was placed on connecting phenotype to outcome — helping students understand how what they see translates to carcase performance, eating quality and ultimately value in the supply chain.
Jake Phillips said the objective was simple.
“Give them the tools to understand what they’re looking at, but more importantly why it matters and then support them to allow their confidence grow in selection”
Following the theory component, students moved straight into hands-on assessment.
A group of four heifers with clear differences in type, muscle, fat and maturity gave students the opportunity to start applying their knowledge in a practical setting.
From there, the workshop shifted to the Mount Pleasant Saleyards, where six classes of pre-drafted cattle challenged students to put everything together.
They were asked to:
- Assess cattle within a class
- Rank animals based on suitability
- Justify their decisions against market requirements
- Answer observational questions on the animals
For many students, this was their first exposure to structured cattle assessment at this level — and they rose to the challenge.
The students quickly demonstrated an ability to pick up the fundamentals and apply them with confidence.
While some had previous experience through programs like the SA Junior Heifer Expo and the Royal Adelaide Show, for many this was new territory.
What stood out was how quickly they connected the dots between:
- What looks good
- What performs well
- What the market requirements are
The result was a noticeable lift in confidence, not just in assessing cattle, but in understanding the bigger picture of the beef industry.
The workshop has given both students and teachers a clear framework to build from throughout the year.
With upcoming school programs and competitions, including steer classes at the Royal Adelaide Show, participants now have:
- A stronger understanding of selection decisions
- Greater clarity around market specifications
- Improved ability to prepare and present cattle to their own capabilites
This positions them far better to make informed decisions, whether in the show ring or in a commercial setting.
Simone Bond, SA Director of Angus Australia, said the level of engagement was a strong indicator of the industry’s future.
“The enthusiasm and willingness of these students to learn is exactly what the industry needs,” Ms Bond said.
“Programs like this are critical in building capability, confidence and connection to the broader beef supply chain. It’s encouraging to see so many young people engaging with both the practical and commercial aspects of cattle production. Its also a credit to their dedicated teachers for enabling them to come to the workshop”
Days like this don’t happen without strong collaboration between schools, teachers, industry bodies and local producers. The day was supported by GE Hughes ( Commercial Angus Breeder), Mt Pleasant Showgrounds, Nutrien Fawcett, Black Stone Angus and Bottlesford Angus and Murray Greys. Phillips Livestock Solutions facilitated the workshop on behalf of Angus Australia.
What it showed clearly is this:
The next generation is not short on interest, they just need access to the right information, the right environment and the right people.
SA Angus coordinate these workshops annually. For more information on the workshop, to attend a future one or to consider running one in your area please contact Simone Bond simone@bondpastoral.com.au
