Farm

Cropping

With not a lot of rain over the past 3 weeks, it's been a slow and steady start to our cropping program. So far, we have seeded 235ha of 44Y30 (RR), 54ha 44Y27 (RR) and 40ha of PY520 (TC). Year 11 students have been working hard to change boots and bits on the bar ready to start our lupins this week.  

The seeding roster has been displayed for Year 12 students to indicate when they are required to be out the paddock to complete the practical parts of the AHCBAC205 'Assist Agricultural Crop Establishment' unit. Students must complete two practical components and if there is an opportunity to complete a third-party report somewhere off site, please see the section below. 

We have received delivery of our new sprayer John Deere 616R with exact apply, which will have its work cut out when all the rain comes soon (we all hope). 

Piggery

Straight back into it in the piggery this term, with all our new gilts in with a boar and a truck load of baconer pigs going to Linley Valley fortnightly. The weather has cooled down rapidly over the break and students are busy making sure all the lights and heating equipment are up and running to keep the pigs comfortable throughout winter. 

With a large number of grower pigs coming through the piggery, students will be busy this term branding, weighing and sorting sale pigs, as well as making feed mixes to meet the increased nutritional requirements of the pigs over winter. 

Certificate III Pork Industry Placement - Leah Taylor, Year 12

During the Term 1 school holidays, Zarah and I went to Hillcroft farms in Popannyining for our Cert III Pork placement. It was a great opportunity to experience a large-scale commercial piggery (1400 sow) and all their processes from farrowing, piglet processing and semen analysis. Highlights included semen collection, weaning piglets into straw domes, seeing the free-range pigs, and assisting in Artificial Insemination. Big thank you to Dawson and Lisa Bradford for hosting us for the week.  

2023 Year 12 Short Courses

Forms have been sent to all Year 12 students and parents for expression of interest. Mrs Corsini is still organising and confirming the Low Stress Stock Handling Course. If it is to go ahead, it will be in Term 3 at some stage. 

Aus Chem: $75.00 per student 

10-11 August 2023

17-18 August 2023

Third Date slot TBC

Skid Steer/Loader Course:  $1,650.00 per student

26 June to 30 June 2023

17 July to 21 July 2023

24 July to 28 July 2023

White Card: $120.00 per student 

4 - 5 May 2023

11 - 12 May 2023

Livestock Handling: $450.00 per student TBC DETAILS 

Third-Party Reports 

Mrs Corsini has spoken to the Year 11 and 12 students in VET Theory Class in regards to third-party reports and will do so again throughout the term. The third-party reports are evidence towards the students' Certificate II in Agriculture or Certificate III in ​Agriculture practicals. Mrs Corsini will send out the requirements via email and on request. We also need video evidence that supports the paperwork. Mrs Corsini recommends purchasing a USB thumb drive and putting all evidence on the thumb drive each night or week, to bring back to the College on return.  If any students are interested in completing these reports, please see Mrs Corsini. 

Year 12's 

Year 12's have only 4 cycles left with us down on Farm this term to complete practical components for units of competencies. So please, I can't stress enough, use your time wisely and work through your plans to achieve all that you can.  If any Year 12 or parent has any questions on the requirements to be completed by Week 10, please contact Mrs Corsini or Technical Officers directly as required. 

Daniel de Beer

Farm Manager

Madison Corsini

Assistant Farm Manager