For Western Sydney University students, the 9th-11th May 2025 was filled with cows, science, and more cows at the Hawkesbury Agricultural Show. Known as the place where the country meets the city, it’s the second biggest agricultural show after the Sydney Royal Easter Show and has been around since 1845.
Western was one of hundreds of organisations on display, represented by The Livestock Team in cattle judging, as well as educational stalls from the School of Science, with animal science and forensic science faculty offering sneak peeks into programs and equipment. Unfortunately for animal science students on hand during the show, forensic science seemed more popular — perhaps because they didn’t have magnified head lice.
(The slightly more popular Forensic Science tent at the Hawkesbury Show. Photo credit: Tamara Tuchin, 2025)
(Animal science students at the School of Science tent. Photo credit: Jennifer Martin, 2025)
Saturday attendees were treated to Dr. Mark Jones and Dr. Sebastian Holmes taking one of WSU’s Waterkeeper Alliance boats for a spin during the midday Grand Parade. Focused on improving and protecting the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment, the Waterkeeper Alliance, along with WSU’s Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement, are just some of Western’s contributions to the Hawkesbury.
WSU’s Waterkeeper Alliance boat in the midday Grand Parade. Photo credit: Tamara Tuchin, 2025)
Despite the science, carnival rides, and interesting food, all eyes remained on the most important part — the agriculture.
Cattle judging was just one of the events held during the three days, but for those from Western, it was the one that mattered.
W’SUP readers will remember meeting Western’s show cows on Instagram before the show (missed it? Check it out – you won’t regret it). After months of hard work and training, it was finally time to shine for the boys – and the Livestock Team.
Competing in both the unled and led categories, which judge the physical qualities of the cows, the team had a big three days. The unled events, featuring steers Brix, Dan, and Sugar House, involved examining the steers from within a pen. Unfortunately, none of the steers placed in this event.
In the led events, where the steer is led around the ring on a halter by the Team, returned better results. Buckeye scored Reserve champion (2nd place) in the Lightweight class, while Myers took the Middleweight Reserve champion (2nd place) spot. El Dorado took 3rd place in the Heavyweight category, while Morgan followed in 5th.
But the show wasn’t just for the cows – team member Hannah Spinks received Grand Champion Junior Judge, an accolade highlighting Hannah’s extensive knowledge, skills, and judging performance. The W’SUP team congratulates Hannah, and wishes her well in future endeavours! Other team members also participated in handler competitions, which judged how well trained the cows are, as well as their handling.
This year, The Livestock Team had the opportunity to rear a steer for the annual Charity Steer auction. This steer was auctioned during the Hawkesbury show, with all proceeds going to Pink Finss Charity, a Hawkesbury based organisation that supports those diagnosed with cancer. Morgan, the steer, raised a total of $2,240.
As a commercial beef farm, Western’s cows participated in the Hoof and Hook competition, which judges both the cow’s physique and beef quality. These results are a testament to the work and care the Livestock Team and Farm management put into rearing their stock, as well as the high standards the Farm operates on.
The team scored well in the Hook results, which are scored out of 100, and based on a range of factors. The Lightweight category saw two steers in the top 10, with scores of 79 (8th place) and 77.5 (9th place). The Middleweight steers performed the best, with a Champion (1st place) score of 91, 3rd place at 89.5, and 6th place at 86.5. Reserve champion (2nd place) in the Heavyweights went to a Western steer, with a score of 89.5 points, while Western also achieved scores of 85 (5th place), and 84 (8th place).
(Past accolades in The Livestock Team’s tent. Photo credit: Tamara Tuchin, 2025)
The Livestock Team gets a few weeks of well-deserved rest before preparing for next season. To see more of what they do, check out their Instagram – @westernsydu_livestock_team – and keep an eye out for W’SUP’s behind-the-scenes feature with Letisha Hopton, The Livestock Team President.
The Livestock Team is open to any Western student regardless of their degree. For any queries, please contact the team via Instagram.
If you missed the Hawkesbury Show this year, it will return in 2026 on the 24th – 26th of April. Whether you’re getting involved or there to enjoy the day, keep an eye out for Western!
(Western at the Hawkesbury Show. Photo credit: Tamara Tuchin, 2025)
