This year, the Year 10 and 11 agricultural science students nurtured an Atlantic giant pumpkin to a staggering weight of 368.5 kilograms, smashing the previous Ekka record set in 2015 by an impressive 107kg.

The competition showcased the culmination of months of hard work and dedication from the students and rural centre staff, especially Mr Jeff Buchanan. Despite entering two pumpkins into the competition, both entries from Downlands were in a league of their own, with the lighter pumpkin still tipping the scales at 337.5kg. With this latest triumph, the students and staff at Downlands have solidified their reputation as leaders in agricultural education and innovation.