Young cattle enthusiasts from across the State descended onto the Brunswick Showgrounds last week, for an annual three-day education program.

The WA Youth Cattle Association hosted its 21st WA Youth Cattle Camp in Brunswick last week, providing an opportunity for a cattle education for about 100 people between the ages of eight and 25.

The only youth cattle competition in Australia to combine beef and dairy cattle events, the structured program provides the opportunity to learn about herd management, exhibition, animal welfare, livestock handling techniques and more.

WA Youth Cattle Camp chair Denise Lynch said the education program welcomed participants from all experience levels and regions, with people travelling as far as Albany and Exmouth to join in.

“They might be people who are off a farm and have an interest in cattle,” she said.

Ms Lynch said this year’s educational sessions included a meat judging competition for the first time.

“That was really impressive,” she said.

“That was learning on different meat cuts.“

She said camp participants also practiced preparing animals for show rings and parading.

“How to stand an animal up to make it look the best it can,” she said.

“There’s a lot that goes into preparing an animal.

“They have to wash, blow dry, brush — all those sorts of things.”

Eleven-year-old Taleah Cooke has been coming to the camp for three years and said she enjoyed it and always learnt lots.

“I love leading and washing the cattle,” she said.

Also taking part in this year’s camp is Sam Lynch who is returning as a volunteer after 13 years as a participant.

Mr Lynch said the camp was an important event which helped him build confidence.

“I used to be quite nervous as a kid,” he said.

“Couldn’t really get a conversation out of me unless I knew you.

“Then I started getting into a bit of public speaking through the camp and with these people around helping me build up my confidence.”

Mr Lynch said his favourite part of the camp was always parading day and the friendly competition which came along with it.