Moo-ving: Christine Hadfield, 14, cuddles up to Rufus, one of three cows Model Farms High School is entering in Castle Hill Show’s high schools exhibit. Picture: Mike Sea
Castle Hill Showgirl 2013, Kate Leckie.
CHRISTINE Hadfield has hatched an especially cute plan for the Castle Hill Show.
"I'm hatching quails and silkies at home, so they'll be babies for the show," said Christine, who is sharing the responsibility of organising Model Farms High School's exhibit with friend and schoolmate Eryn Moxon.
The pair from Winston Hills are half-way through painting a backdrop for their animal display that will read "Come see the barns of Model Farms".
"We will be dyeing two of the silkies [chickens] blue and yellow, our school colours," Christine said.
They will also have rabbits and cows, along with the baby quail and chicks, on display in the Education Pavilion at Castle Hill showground.
"Model Farms is here every year," show secretary Lyne Fuller said.
Other regulars include Galston High, Northholm Grammar, Arcadia and James Ruse Agricultural High, Carlingford.
"Oakhill College have a strong contingent in the cattle section," Ms Fuller said.
"They are particularly competitive in the steer competition and have been successful at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Show, leading on from their success in Castle Hill."
High school entries will be accepted until 4pm on Friday by mail or March 2 in person.
The show office at Castle Hill Showground is open 9am-3pm on weekdays.
Last year Model Farms picked up a prize for most-visited exhibit.
Said Christine: "Visitors can pat our animals and ride the cow."
Both study agriculture at school.
Vegetables grown by Model Farms students will be entered in the show's horticulture section, as well as eggs laid by the school's hens.
"We'll be taking squash, potatoes, carrots and corn," Eryn said.
■ Castle Hill Show is on March 8 to 10 at Castle Hill Showground. Details: castlehillshow.com.au.