St Mary's College's exhibit beat 15 other entries in the beef cattle section because it had "the best combination of finish, or fat cover, and muscularity".

Agriculture teacher Lachlan James said the winning steer had been conditioned by Years 9-12 students since the school purchased it in December.

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Mr James said the whole process was a good learning opportunity for the students.

"They learn all the nutritional aspects, about animal behaviour, and different markets in terms of the finished product," he said.

Students will showcase the champion steer at Wingham Beef Week from May 13-17, along with other steers in the Weebollabolla Shorthorns, The Manildra Group & Bob Jamieson Agencies School steer challenge.

A small number of students will represent the school in Wingham to gain more experience at cattle showing.

The agriculture students will see their cattle judged at the event, and can tour Wingham Abbatoirs to learn about the meat production process.

Events such as Manilla Show and Wingham Beef Week offer agriculture students the opportunity to socialise with others with similar interests.

They also enable producers to have a connection with schools, and the schools to have a relationship with the industries.

The school is in the process of expanding its agriculture program, purchasing a 10.5 acre plot off Maitland Street in June 2017.

Mr James said the new plot would give the school the space to breed its own cattle and diversify.

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