By Aaron Cordy
WETHERING all challengers for the third year in a row, Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) has won the 2026 Victorian Merino Wether Challenge.
GSSC Year 10 Agriculture students have been caring for and preparing the sheep as part of their curriculum, developing practical skills in animal handling, nutrition, animal welfare and farm management while gaining valuable insight into careers in agriculture.
The two-time reigning champions of the Victorian Merino Wether Challenge defended their title in Clunes on Tuesday, August 25, beating 15 schools from across Victoria.
Green thumb Sophie Deith has a greater interest in horticulture than in agriculture, but still enjoyed the program and learning more about the sheep.
“The different types of wool, and how you class them and all that kind of stuff, is fun to learn about,” said Sophie.
“We won the last two years, so our tactics have proven to be good, and we’ve used similar tactics this year. We’ve got to a good team.
“We did Cows Create Careers, which is the cow bit of the subject, and my group got into the statewide competition, and then won. Now we’re moving on to the national competition.”
GSSC Agriculture program opens many opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in that sector, which Tarlia Rudge is taking full advantage of.
“I would love to be an AI (artificial insemination) and embryo technician in cattle when I’m older. I originally thought I’d be a vet but then looked into that career and didn’t really want to go to Uni for six years, and wanted to get straight into the ag industry,” said Tarlia.
“I live on a farm myself, so love animals, love dealing with animals, and everything like that. I did work experience at Nu-Genes in Numurkah, which is an AI company. Loved that. Got offered a job there, so hopefully after Year 12, go there and pursue a career in ag.”
