The school, which has been attending the Dubbo sale for nine years, holds the Australian record price for a shorthorn bull, set in 2006 at Dubbo when one of their beasts sold for a whopping $75,000.

Ag teacher Geoff Nielsen admits they were “gobsmacked” on that occasion, but believes this year’s team of six bulls are their best yet.

Eight students, from years 9 to 12, will leave for the Dectomax Shorthorn National Show and Sale next Saturday with five school bulls and one belonging to one of the students.

The cattle have been nurtured at Calrossy’s Trade Training Centre, Tangara, where its shorthorn stud is based and the hours of preparation have been well worth the effort.

“The depth and breadth of the beasts we have for sale this year is outstanding,” Mr Nielsen said.

“I believe it’s the best team we’ve ever taken. You always hope the cattle are better than the year before and I believe they are.

“Calrossy holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a shorthorn bull and we are really going to give breaking that a shot this year.”

The Dubbo show and sale, in its 55th year, is set down for Wednesday, June 11.

Calrossy’s effort is put into perspective when organisers report the average price for bulls in recent years has been around $5000 to $5500.