Four Charles Sturt University (CSU) veterinary science students are finalists in two very different categories at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney this month.

 

Two fifth-year Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science students at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Ms Cassandra MacDonald and Ms Katherine Lang, will be competing in the prestigious state finals of the dairy cattle judging. Ms MacDonald recently posted a YouTube video called ‘The Truth about the supermarket milk price war’ where she disputes claims by Coles that its  $1 a litre milk policy is having no impact on farmer margins. Read more here.

 

Meanwhile, two fourth-year veterinary science students, also studying at CSU in Wagga Wagga, are state finalists in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition.

 

Ms Bronte Doughton is representing the Riverina/Ganmain zone at the Royal Easter Show while Ms Lydia Herbert is representing her home town of Eugowra, in the Central West region of NSW.

 

Ms Doughton said she entered the showgirl competition because she’s keen to represent her local area as well as the wider NSW agricultural sector. “It’s an industry I’m already so passionate about and I hope to dedicate my career to. I want to give something back to the industry and especially the agricultural show community which has given me so much support already.”

 

These are sentiments shared by her friend and colleague, Ms Herbert. “I’ve had a long affiliation with the country show movement and have always admired the young women who have previously entered the competition,” Ms Herbert said. “I entered hoping to join their ranks as an ambassador for rural life, country shows and youth in agriculture/country shows.”

 

CSU Animal and Veterinary Science lecturer, Dr Jennifer Hyams, said the students were outstanding representatives of their regions.

 

“We wish all students well and admire their ability to promote agriculture and veterinary science in its many forms outside of Charles Sturt University,” Dr Hyams said.

 

Ms Doughton is keen to pursue a career in farm animal medicine with sheep and beef cattle, and the challenge of whole herd production medicine. Ms Herbert hopes to use her degree to specialise in ruminant reproduction in rural NSW.