We were back again to the idyllic setting of the Arts and Crafts Pavilion at Berry Showground for day 2 of judging
We thought we were running on time to start, but we didn’t count on the enthusiasm of the students and teachers with two school arriving before us!
At least we aren’t starting late.
First cab of the rank was Kiama Public School
Pablo ……..has worms!
Actual, living, breathing worms! (This is a first for us!)
Even better……….the worms have been yarn-bombed!
Now, don’t get too excited! The worms were not individually yarn-bombed (too wiggly I assume), but their worm farm was. It is part of Pablo’s story about Permaculture and sustainable agriculture.
Pablo himself was also yarn-bombed. He shows the digestive processes -from eating grass, to digestion, then manure, and then turning the manure and compost back into grass to start the cycle over again (this is where the worm farm comes in!).
Great story shown in a clever way. Well done! Nice use of worms.
Second cab of the rank was Vincentia Public School and still running on time –Yay!)
They have name their Archie Booderee which is Aboriginal for Bay of Plenty, and that is exactly what this little cow shows- Plenty!
She is literally covered from nose to tail in a detailed collage of images drawn by the students. The images depict many of the plants and animals which are significant to aboriginal life in their local area. These have then been interspersed with relevant photos. Strong bands divide the images according to type.
Her head shows images of their local area, while her tail shows images of the amazing ‘bush tucker trail’ created by the school.
In the words of Vincentia Public School:
“Booderee” is like no other calf in Australia. He represents the beautiful area we live in with its wonderful cultural, spiritual and traditional significance of the Aboriginal people.”
Well said!
Day 2 continued ………………………
School Seven was Bega Valley Public School
Buttercup is immediately noticeable.
She is distinct and finely detailed. Her buttercup yellow base (a very appropriately named cow!) is overlaid with striking aboriginal motifs, which form a map of the local area. It shows where the main farming communities are and the paths people take to get to each area, as well as important local mountains and landforms.
In the words of the school:
The Aboriginal design elements make this cow unique. The students involved learnt about their culture as a result of the artistic process. We discussed the unique way that aboriginal artists use symbols to tell stories about their land, and used these to represent the beef and dairy communities in our region.
Her consistent styling makes this a very appealing Archibull.
School Eight was up next and that was Shoalhaven High School
I am not sure that this cow was named correctly, because it is not her udder that is brilliant (though it is not bad in the slightest!) It is her unique stomach that expands your mind! (“Stomach Brilliance” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it though!)
She sends a very detailed message to all about the importance of natural resource management in the dairy industry as well as the increasing use of technology and mechanisation in the industry.
The natural resource base that the industry relies upon for sustainable increases in efficiency is the legs and the living pasture foundation. Her body is about mechanisation and innovation in milking technology and the biomechanical processes of milk production.
But…… back to her brilliant stomach now. Anyone who sees it will definitely remember it. Her side opens up and a material model of an actual sized ruminant digestive system can be pulled out. Details about each of the four stomachs roles are written on it.
It is not slimy or real, but simply “Udderly Brilliant”!
School Nine was St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School
For a fresh take on the beef industry, you really must try the food at Lim’s Cafe! It is the place to be seen.
You see…. there’s this really bright young Archibull called Lim, who has his own little cafe (no long legs allowed!). They serve a wide variety of tasty beef dishes which are all fully explained on the detailed and very informative menu. The decor is bright and colourful with quite a spotted feel to it. The waiters are extremely helpful and informed about the lovely creations of Chef Lim. Even the flooring of this little cafe transports you out into the green countryside!
If you are particularly lucky, you may even get the chance to have Chef Lim himself come out and tell you about the wonderful creations he has produced. He really was quite fascinating.
Overall, I felt that Lim’s Cafe provided a lovely dining experience for a judge who needed to ‘Spring into Beef’!
School Ten was Gwynneville Public School
Baa Baa Bovine will be extremely cosy this winter. She has her own teddy and her own paddock and is wearing and amazing jumper.
Her woolly jumper is made from a wonderful patchwork carefully stitched together (with wool of course!) showcasing the differing types of woollen finishes available. She has been crocheted, knitted, felted, appliquéd, recycled, darned and many more. Her legs have been wrapped, and her hair will keep her head warm all through winter.
She is ready for another “Winter Woollies Day” at Gwynneville Public School, (however I think they must have forgotten to check if they got all of the knitting and sewing needles out before she put her jumper on –very uncomfortable!) She wears many labels and tells a wonderful story.
She is literally ‘Wrapped up in Yarn’.
Baa Baa Bovine also wrapped up our time in Berry.
Now it was off to Sydney for Day 3
A big ‘thankyou’ to all schools involved in the Berry Exhibition for their wonderful Archies, their clever students and teachers and their enthusiasm.
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