Kevin best young cattle judge
The Bank Windhoek Feedmaster National Youth Cattle Judging Competition was held at the Windhoek show on Monday, where Kevin Jakob, a learner from Otjiwarongo Secondary School, was announced as the winner.Melanie van der Merwe from Gobabis Gymnasium took second place ahead of Gabriela Ritzdorf from the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) in third.
The competition is a collaboration between Bank Windhoek and Feedmaster, and it allows high school learners across the country to showcase their passion for livestock and the knowledge they have acquired about cattle.
The programme’s leader, Christo van Zyl, said the competition continues to grow annually. “This year, we received applications from 111 learners from various schools, and 88 learners from 18 schools participated. The huge turnout shows all participants' commitment and passion for livestock,” he said. Van Zyl further thanked Bank Windhoek for supporting the competition. He said he is happy with the progress he observes from the learners.
Fun, educational
Kevin said his experience of cattle judging was fun and educational. “When I started the competition, I just saw cattle as they were. After completing the competition, I look at cattle differently—I do not just see a bull; I see a good bull with capacity and attractive features.”
Kevin has always been interested in learning about the livestock on his family’s farm. Once he heard of the competition, he took the chance to fulfil his dream of judging cattle.
Melanie said she had attended the show with her father since she was a toddler. “I specifically enjoyed the practical part of the competition, where we judged five Brahman cows and five Brahman bulls. I learned more about different breeds and their standards of excellence for the breeds,” she said.
Third-placed Gabriela said her late father nurtured her passion for livestock and cattle judging. “He always taught my sister and me about cattle while on the farm,” she said.
Okamatapati Combined School learners who participated in the competition said they had a fun learning experience.
Uaanaro Mbakunguna said he grew up in the village where his family farms with Brahman cattle. He said this background made the competition more effortless and more enjoyable.
Muteresi Muharukua said that even though he has yet to gain the best skills, he looks forward to participating in the competition next year.
The Okamatapati Combined School is situated 100 km east of Okakarara in the Otjozondjupa region and accommodates 1 000 pupils.