RUTHERGLEN High School clinched a prized trophy for the third time at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show.

The Borthwick Trophy is widely recognised as the most prestigious interbreed steer and carcase award in Australia.

A 10-member cattle handling student team competed in various competitions at the show with five steers donated from cattle breeders who support the school’s ‘Farm to Table’ program.

Delighted Rutherglen High School (RHS) agriculture teacher Ron Webb said it had been an exciting trophy win.

“Students put in so much effort and the school has built the program from the point where we were happy to win one ribbon at the show to one where we consistently achieve success,” he said.

“The Borthwick Trophy is a really prestigious award and to win it three times in a row is a great achievement.

“It is a big commitment by a school to support a cattle program and to be rewarded with a Borthwick Trophy makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

Mr Webb said the success reflected the students' commitment to feeding, leading, and brushing the animals as well as attending to them on weekends.

He said overall it’s been a good year for the cattle program with the Borthwick Trophy awarded to RHS representing the Limousins cattle breed while Le Martres steers gained a second place in heat two and fifth place in heat three of the domestic sections.

A Le Martres steer also took out first place in heat three of the Heavy Domestic section with a ‘Highest placed school steer ribbon’, while a Swan Lagoon Ag steer clinched 2nd place in heat five Export section with a ‘Highest placed school steer ribbon’.

Students also took out places in the Paraders competition.

“This meant 80 per cent of our cattle received ribbons which is terrific result.” Mr Webb said.

“The cattle program is hard – it is months of work and at times students feel like they are not making progress but the students are committed and dedicated to the program.”

Mr Webb thanked team captains Kayla Horne and Nikita Larsen who showed genuine leadership throughout the year.

He said every cattle team member should be pleased with their efforts as they did a great job and made the school proud.

Rutherglen High School also thanked supporting breeders Le Martes Beef, Spencer Family Shorthorns and Swan Lagoon Ag who make the school’s program possible.