Bishop Burton College marks 70 years of agricultural and equine excellence with Stock Skills showcase

The competition showcases the specialist knowledge and practical skills of our agriculture and equine students.

Designed to replicate the demands of a major country show, Stock Skills gives students vital experience in livestock preparation, grooming, clipping, feeding and handling, as well as personal presentation and professional conduct.

This year’s event saw students competing in cattle, sheep and equine classes, where they were judged by industry professionals on their animal's condition, their handling skills and their depth of subject knowledge.

First held in 1961, Stock Skills is the oldest competition of its kind in the country, and remains a core part of our commitment to real-world, career-focused learning.

The event drew family, friends, industry representatives and dignitaries, all keen to see the next generation of rural professionals in action.

It also took on special significance this year, as we mark seven decades of delivering outstanding land-based education.

Danny Metters, Principal and CEO, said: “Stock Skills is an important celebration of student progress that brings together the theoretical underpinning and practical skills associated with their specialist areas of cattle, sheep and equine.

“They’re able to display their understanding of the species they’re handling and their welfare, as well as the practical skills they’ve developed that are needed to succeed in industry.

“To be able to showcase our agricultural and equine offer in this way, it’s important we continue to have excellent industry links that represent who we are as an organisation – one that’s steeped in history, as we celebrate our 70^th anniversary.

“One of the college values is ‘enjoyment’, and this event is the epitome of that, with students, staff, stakeholders and guests all coming together to celebrate Stock Skills on our amazing campus.

“It really embodies who we are as a land-based college.”

Chair of Governors Angela Moran said: “Stock Skills is always an excellent occasion but it’s also not just about the day, it’s about the work the students put in beforehand.

“This event is a mark of what Bishop Burton College is all about – it advances with technology and changes in industry but there are always critical fundamentals, and understanding how to handle livestock is one of them.

“The basics are never forgotten at this college, as it continues moving forward to give its students the best chance of success in industry.

“To see the pride on the students’ faces as they displayed their animals to staff, fellow students, governors and local dignitaries was absolutely fantastic.”

Among the dignitaries in attendance was the new Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor, Luke Campbell, who handed out the prizes alongside Danny.

He said: “Bishop Burton is a great college, with a beautiful campus.

“It’s so important for the region to have a college like this, which trains students to go straight into industry.

“The Stock Skills competition was a brilliant occasion, and agriculture and the food industry are crucial to our country, so it’s also really important that the students develop these skills.”

A parent of one of the prize-winning students said: “The staff at Bishop Burton are truly amazing.

“If it wasn’t for the support, guidance and belief in my daughter, she wouldn’t have achieved the great things she has so far in her life.”