Since 1949, creating long-term partnerships that are more meaningful than merely an exchange of services has been a part of the Higgins Coatings ethos.
While discussing a painting maintenance plan with Bundaberg Christian College last Summer, local Project and Business Development Manager Matthew (Matt) Steers discovered the Hoof ‘n’ Hook agricultural program.
Matt Steers pictured with Bundaberg Christian College Business Manager Mary Deakin and Agriculture Farm Manager Paul Forman.
The multi-award-winning program allows students from years 7 to 12 to learn to train and groom cattle while practicing live cattle evaluation and judgements to an audience at any competition.
It provides an opportunity for students to develop confidence, gain skills in relating to people, and improve their public speaking skills.
After understanding its importance to the College, Matt offered to support the program by sponsoring our very own steer.
“We know how impactful the Cattle industry is here in Bundaberg. Being able to assist the future leaders of Bundaberg foster interest in this industry is really rewarding – I am looking forward to seeing how our steer develops under the tutelage of the students at Bundaberg Christian College" said Matt Steers.
Maintaining our focus on the local community, we hosted a competition where Bundaberg locals could nominate names for our steer, with the winner claiming naming rights and a little prize pack to boot.
After receiving an overwhelming amount of entries, Donald Rump was selected as the winner.
Fast forward to today, and Bundaberg Christian College’s talented young students have groomed Donald Rump into an award-winning steer.
Receiving second place at all three Gympie, Fraser Coast, and Bundaberg Shows in the medium weight class, our steer wasn’t done there.
The talented students from Bundaberg Christian College’s hard work paid off with Donald Rump receiving Reserve champion at Fraser Coast and Bundaberg Shows.
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Donald Rump in action at the Fraser Coast competition
The School’s Hoof ‘n’ Hook coordinator Angela Gees noted that the output on show day is more than just the sum of its parts.
“Our program would not be a success if it was not for the strong emphasis we place on teamwork. For every place awarded, there is a team of students and staff who are preparing the cattle behind the scenes.”
Higgins Bundaberg is proud to support the students with this agricultural program and looks forward to seeing Donald Rump excel in future competitions.