MENAI High School students knew their knowledge of the dairy industry was better than most city kids. But they didn't expect to trump students from the country.

The school participated in the Cows Create Careers project for the second year in a row. Designed to educate students about agricultural career options, participants are required to feed and monitor calves at their school and produce a research project about the experience.

Students from Menai High School were ecstatic to hear their names called over and over again when winners were announced last week.

The school came first and second in the junior category of the competition, first and fourth in the senior category and named overall winner in the region.

"I thought we would do well in the team competitions, they were all good solid projects. But to get the regional prize, that blew me away. It was such a wonderful surprise,'' supervising teacher Sheree Bourke said. "It is a reflection of their dedication. They worked really hard to nurture and look after the animals.''