Tilly Hanson, a bright and enthusiastic participant from Clifton, Queensland said her primary motivation for attending the Santa Gertrudis National Youth Cattle Camp was to deepen her knowledge and practical skills in cattle management and the art of showing livestock.
Reflecting on her experience, Tilly commented on the sheer volume of information she absorbed during the camp, noting that she learned a great deal, especially concerning the hands-on techniques of handling cattle.
Beyond the practical aspects, a particular insight stood out to her as the most significant lesson of the camp: the profound potential contained within a single, small DNA sample.
“One of the most important things I learned,“ Tilly shared, “was that from one little DNA sample you could learn so much about the genetics of the animal.“ She was particularly struck by the power of this technology to provide detailed genetic insights and, crucially, to enable the prediction of valuable information regarding the animal’s future traits and performance. This knowledge, she believes, holds significant implications for the future of selective breeding and herd improvement.
Hamish Whitty, 13, from Forbes had one of the best weeks of his life.
Hamish said he thoroughly enjoyed working with cattle and found the environment at the Santa Gertrudis National Youth Cattle Camp to be an exceptional setting for learning from industry leaders, camp organisers and his equally enthusiastic peers.
Hamish’s grandfather owns a Santa Gertrudis stud and his parents maintain a commercial cattle operation near Forbes, NSW.
He described the opportunity to learn directly from farmers and industry experts as an invaluable experience.
Hamish particularly appreciated the lectures and the chance to hear from various companies, gaining insight into their operations and potential future career pathways within the sector.
Lexi Milbank, a dedicated 18-year-old from Bundaberg, has embraced a new role as a camp leader, a natural progression after years of enriching experiences at the camp. Having been an active participant for the last four consecutive years, Lexi’s decision to return in a leadership capacity stems from the profound positive impact the previous camp leaders had on her.
Lexi shared that the leaders she encountered throughout her time as a camper created an incredibly supportive and genuinely fun environment. This nurturing atmosphere not only enhanced her camp experience but also served as a strong inspiration for her personal development and eventual desire to give back. The inspiration she received from those dedicated individuals has now fueled her commitment to step into their shoes.
As a camp leader, Lexi is eager to pay forward the positive experiences she received. Her primary aspiration is to become a source of inspiration and support for the current cohort of young students, much like her former leaders were for her.
She hopes that by fostering the same spirit of fun, encouragement and community, she can motivate other young attendees to potentially return as leaders in the future, thereby continuing the valuable tradition of the Santa camp.
