The Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp is one of Australia’s longest‑running and most respected cattle education events, dedicated to helping young people build confidence, develop practical livestock-handling skills and connect with others who share a passion for agriculture.
For more than 30 years, the camp has welcomed participants of all experience levels — from seasoned junior show competitors to complete beginners — providing hands‑on learning in a friendly, inclusive environment supported by experienced mentors, volunteers and families.
The 2026 camp concluded on Saturday, 17 January and is widely regarded as the Society’s biggest and most successful yet, with 132 students participating and more than 360 people onsite across the four days.
Students took part in activities including parading, stud and commercial cattle assessment, rope tying, animal welfare and sessions on reproduction, fat and muscle scanning, DNA testing and working dog handling.
A highlight of this year’s event was Ella Phillips of Taroom – last year’s Champion Herdsperson – being awarded the Sir James Walker Championship Trophy, recognising exceptional skill in stud cattle assessment and presentation.
Despite a brief shower on Friday evening, the camp ran smoothly, and the annual Youth Camp Auction raised more than $30,000 to reinvest in Santa Gertrudis youth development initiatives for 2026.
