Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp
The Santa Gertrudis Breeders (Australia) Association has been running a National Youth Camp, for 30 years. It started in Toowoomba at the Show Grounds, then it moved to the Warwick Showgrounds and is now at Morgan Park Warwick.
We usually have approximately 100 youths, ranging in age from 8 to 18 years of age attending. These youths are split into groups and a Group Leader is assigned to them for the duration of the camp, to mentor them, educate them with rope tying, safety around cattle, water, feed, bedding, looking after the animal they are allocated, parading demonstrations- use of leads and they are also judged on Stud and Commercial selection.
At the end of the camp, presentations are given to:
- Announcement of Age Group Champions.
- Announcement of the Kitchen Spirit Award.
- Announcement of the Big S Encouragement Award.
- Announcement of the Heartland Group awards.
- Announcement of the best Student Group.
- Announcement of the RJ Kleberg Memorial Scholarship Youth Ambassador.
- The Champion Herdsperson is given a Stud heifer, kindly donated by a Stud each year.
The SGBAA and its members are very interested in the Youth of Australia, and hold these camps to educate youths in learning how to lead and show stud cattle for future Agricultural shows around Australia.
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RJ Kleberg Scholarship Award
RJ Kleberg Youth Ambassador
In memory of Robert (“Mr. Bob”) Justus Kleberg Jnr., the visionary that created the Santa Gertrudis breed, the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association (SGB(A)A) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the RJ KLEBERG SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to the 2025 Santa Gertrudis Australia Youth Ambassador.
SGB(A)A is committed to fostering tomorrow’s rural leaders through continued investment in scholarships and leadership opportunities.
Judging Criteria
- Applicants are to be aged 21-30.
- Candidates to apply by submitting:
- CV and responses to questions.
- Two written references from professional contacts supporting their application.
- 3–5 minute video introducing themselves, presenting their credentials and experience.
- The judging panel will initially screen candidates by their responses to the questions and video content.
- The shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed by teleconference.
- The shortlisted candidates will be assessed using a weighted system:
- Breed participation: 45%
- Interview/s: 25%
- CV/written questions: 15%
- Video: 10%
- References: 5%.
- The judging panel will consist of the SGB(A)A General Manager, one SGB(A)A Councillor and one independent assessor.
Key judging points:
- Cattle and beef industry knowledge.
- Demonstrated commitment to the Santa Gertrudis breed.
- Involvement in key Santa Gertrudis activities, such as National Youth Camp and Shows.
- Ability to confidently express ideas.
- Vision for Santa Gertrudis youth.
- Overall energy and good conduct, especially among their peers and younger members.
The cycle of the term:
- 2025 Royal Sydney Show: Applications declared open and announced.
- 2025 Royal Queensland Show: Winner announced (at evening function after cattle judging).
- Winner works with the SGB(A)A team to deliver on our presence at the 2025 Young Beef Producers’ Forum, Roma.
- A trip to the United States 2025-2026.
- Take a leadership position as part of the team organising the SGB(A)A 2026 National Youth Camp held in January.
- Attend events such as Royal Shows, local Shows and SGB(A)A events to encourage youth participation.
- Attend the 2026 Royal Queensland Show to hand over to incoming RJ Kleberg Scholarship winner.
What does the SGB(A)A offer the Ambassador?
- $5,000 towards their United States trip.
- United States itinerary planned in consultation with SGB(A)A and Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI).
- Special access to King Ranch operations.
- A tailored jacket, with the pocket embroidered with the wording 2025 Santa Gertrudis Australia Ambassador.
- A Santa Gertrudis Ambassador pin.
- Financial support to attend key Santa Gertrudis events as designated by the SGB(A)A.
- Mentoring and media training.
Recipients of the RJ Kleberg Scholarship Award
| 1991 | Neil Watson |
| 1993 | Andrew Doering |
| 1996 | Lisa Tauener |
| 1997 | Kylie Bailey |
| 1998 | Kim Richards |
| 1999 | Stephanie Sinclair |
| 2000 | Ben Evans |
| 2001 | Alison Mastello |
| 2002 | Michael MacCue |
| 2004 | Maree Fields |
| 2005 | Luke Comisky |
| 2006 | Chris Muller |
| 2007 | Hayden Todd |
| 2008 | Ross Leggett |
| 2009 | Richard Murphy |
| 2010 | Michaela Russell |
| 2011 | Cancelled - Flood |
| 2012 | Alexis Hindmarsh |
| 2014 | Prue Jensen |
| 2015 | Steven Maher |
| 2016 | Maddy Page |
| 2017 | Katrina Doak |
| 2018 | Georgia McMaster |
| 2019 | Robert Murphy |
| 2020 | Cancelled - Drought/Ticks |
| 2021 | John Delaforce |
| 2022 | Cancelled - Covid-19 |
| 2023 | Lachlan Martin |
| 2024 | Mia Doering |
Learn more and apply
To learn more about the RJ Kleberg Scholarship program follow the below link.
To apply for the 2025 RJ Kleberg Scholarship please follow and complete the below link.
Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program Scholarship
Congratulations to Lucy Brown of Valenica Stud, Capella, Qld who was awarded the scholarship to attend the 2025 Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program in April.
Latest Youth News
News 2024 Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp Award Winners
Our 2024 Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp was a great success, and we offer our congratulations to all involved, particularly all our award winners. Major Awards Winner/s (including Group Name & Bib ...
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News 2024 Youth Camp Auction Results
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our incredible supporters who generously contributed to our Auction. Your unwavering support towards making the 2024 Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp a memorable ...
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Youth 2023 National Youth Camp Award Winners
Our 2023 National Youth Camp was a great success, and we offer our congratulations to all involved, particularly all our award winners. PRIME BEEF JUDGING 7-8 years Bib # Name Surname 1ST ...
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Upcoming Youth Events
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