Students inspired to moo-ve into animal work

CATTLE school moves to bigger facility to keep up with demand.

Steve Daly teaching Bree-Anna William how to keep cattle calm. . Picture: Barclay White

AMANDA Graham and her family might not make money from the Australian Brahmousin Cattle School they run each year, but what they earn from it is priceless.

Running for 15 years, the school that teaches kids the basics of cattle handling has been inspiring the next generation to follow a future on the land.

Ms Graham says she runs into several former students who took inspiration from the school to follow a life working with animals.

"One bloke that came the year before is now working on a cattle station in Northern Queensland," Mrs Graham said.

"And I've had countless kids who've gone on to become vets.

"They might have gone in that direction if they didn't go to cattle school but it's nice to know we've helped them there."

This year the popularity of the school forced it to move from its original location of Wondai Showgrounds to Nanango Showgrounds on February 20-22.

But despite the extra capacity, the school filled out in record time.

Students start from five years of age and over the weekend they learn the basics of cattle handling from farmers, vets, agronomists and other experts in the field.

At the end of the weekend kids who might never have seen cattle up close know how to tie up, feed, brand and judge cattle.

"The kids really get out of it as much as they want."