AGRICULTURE is playing a part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for the first time.
After more than 50 years "scratching around at the grass roots" of showing cattle in the UK, Canada and Australia, Kerang Technical High School agriculture teacher Bruce Anderson has joined forces with award organisers to develop an agricultural stream.
The prestigious award, named for its provider, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip, recognises the contribution and efforts of people aged 14 to 25.
Participants are required to demonstrate a skill, complete voluntary work and participate in recreational activities for bronze, silver or gold levels.
The pilot agricultural stream focuses on developing animal husbandry and public speaking skills through learning the art of judging cattle, Mr Anderson said.
"Whilst there is ample information on the internet regarding judging physical points, and some information on comparing placegetters, there is apparently no information on ringcraft and effective use of a PA system," he said.
Kerang student Ashlee Hammond is taking part in the program and has been on the show circuit this year to learn from the pros.
A part-time milker, Miss Hammond said that beyond learning to handle cattle in a professional, respectful and efficient manner, she had picked up life skills.
"It's given me a chance to meet and work with people I never would have otherwise met and to travel to lots of different places and spend some time in the city (Melbourne)," she said.
Mr Anderson said he hoped the pilot program would alert people to the agricultural stream in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
