Beef over EKKA cancellation but show must go on for Beenleigh cowgirl Stephanie Samms
While the beef industry mourned this week’s suspension of the EKKA, one long-time cattle exhibitor and agricultural scientist used the hiatus to start a new career. TODAY IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY. FIND OUT WHERE
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The show must go on … While the beef industry mourned this week’s suspension of the EKKA, one long-time cattle exhibitor and agricultural scientist used the hiatus to start a new career.
WHICH COUNCIL BACKS EKKA FRIDAY?
When fireworks lit up the Brisbane sky on Thursday night, they heralded a milestone in EKKA history and the career of agricultural scientist and PhD student Stephanie Samms, who has been showing cattle and attending the Show since 2009.
This week, Ms Samms resigned from her decade-long role feeding the cattle and animals at Beenleigh State High School’s farm, which sends cattle for judging to the EKKA every year.
The former Beenleigh High student, who was the school’s Cattle Show Team Captain in 2011, took on the role a year after finishing high school while studying her degree at The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus.
Every weekend since 2013, she has gone to the school to feed, water, wash and groom the schools cattle, chooks, geese, lambs and calves.
But this weekend was her last, and sadly it coincided with the cancellation of this year’s much-loved Show.
Ms Samms, who will finish her PhD in cattle nutrition and feedlots this year, said the industry had been knocked around by the coronavirus and the suspension of the EKKA.
“The Ekka was always a highlight in the agricultural calendar even when I was at school,” the 25-year-old said.
“This is a time of nostalgia – the agriculture industry is very tight-knit and the Show is always the main event of the year for many.
“Everyone is friendly and I’ve made many contacts and associations within in the industry through the EKKA. This will definitely go down in history.”
Despite the no Show, Ms Samms said there were still many jobs available in the beef sector.
“It’s a great industry and kids should really look into it as there are not enough graduates to keep up with demand and there are jobs available,” she said.
Beenleigh State High School principal Matt O’Hanlon said he the school and the animals would miss Ms Samms after she resigns her post this weekend.
“She’s been an amazing ambassador for the school and to go on and become a PhD student doing something that she has always loved is what education is really all about,” he said.
“Beenleigh has always been a leader in agricultural science and we are one of the very few schools in the southeast equipped with the farm for students to get a hands-on learning experience.”
PEOPLE’S DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Monday, August 10
Tomorrow is a public holiday in
Moreton Bay Region,
Redland City
Gympie
Lockyer Valley
Scenic Rim
Toowoomba,
Bundaberg
PEOPLE’S DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Brisbane
Burdekin
Charters Towers
Cloncurry
Gold Coast
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Whitsundays (Bowen area only)