FARM

Sheep

During lambing season, students and Mr Adams regularly check pregnant ewes and monitor for signs that they are about to give birth. When assistance is needed during difficult births, support is provided to ensure both the ewe and lamb are safe and that newborn lambs receive colostrum soon after birth. Records of each birth are maintained accurately for the lambs and ewes.

Horticulture

This week, a contractor used a muck spreader to distribute composted manure across the horticultural growing areas. This will be left to break down over the next three to four months in preparation for planting in Term 4.

Sixteen Year 10 students attended the Charles Hull Gravel Pit, east of Waroona, this week, where they undertook revegetation work on a section of the site. Students were given the opportunity to observe the use of large-scale earthmoving machinery and were later treated to a BBQ lunch. This provided valuable exposure to the revegetation of mine sites.

Beef

Our Year 11 students recently undertook training in the safe identification and marking of calves using industry-standard practices. They gained valuable experience handling calves, applying identification marks, and accurately recording information. This teaching helps students understand the importance of animal identification for effective livestock management.

In addition, CIDRs were inserted into one of our herds this week as part of our breeding program. Fertilising has also continued across several beef paddocks.

Dairy

The major highlight this week has been the workshop TO’s ongoing installation of the new cattle crush at the dairy. Well done to Mr Morris and Mr Italiano for their work on this project. This upgrade will help students clearly see how to safely restrain livestock and give medications.

Students were also involved in learning about the purpose and process of debudding calves as part of livestock management. Additionally, Ms Quilty worked with students to explain the process of drying off dairy cows as an important aspect of dairy herd management.

Chem Cert 

The course was delivered again over two days this week to a further four groups of Year 12 students and was very well received. This training will lead to a full Chem Cert qualification.

Workshop

New batteries have been installed in the small Hino truck after an electrical fault was identified and reported. The issue has now been resolved, and the vehicle is back in working order.