FARM

Sheep

This week, students have observed a small increase in fly activity around the sheep. As part of the program, students brought the sheep in for weighing and health checks, and undertook dagging and cleaning as needed to reduce fly-related issues.

Preparations for the Royal Perth Show continue, with the selected wool already delivered to the showgrounds. The College has sent its wool for testing and grading, giving students experience in wool production and classification.

Weaning has now commenced, and noise levels around the sheep have increased as the young lambs adjust to being separated from their mothers. This is an important time for students to learn about lamb management.

Dairy

This week, the College veterinarian conducted pregnancy testing, giving students the opportunity to observe the process and better understand reproductive management within a dairy herd.

Artificial insemination (AI) continues each week as part of the College’s program, which focuses on maintaining a productive and healthy milking herd. Weaning of some of the older calves has also commenced, with students moving calves from the shed into outdoor pens.

The dairy is also preparing to begin silage production, with planning and machinery preparation underway in coordination with the workshop.

Pigs

Preparations for the Perth Royal Show are well underway, with the College’s show pigs receiving intensive handling and grooming in preparation for their debut at the competition.

Students have been regularly washing and grooming the pigs, and the animals are responding positively to the attention and interaction. The individual personalities of the pigs are becoming increasingly evident, providing students with opportunities to build confidence in handling the pigs effectively while minimising stress and weight loss.

Students will compete in several areas at the show, including presenting the cleanest, best display and delivering both a verbal and a PowerPoint presentation.

Students actively monitor and adjust feed rations to ensure the pigs meet competition requirements while maintaining good health and condition. They will also be required to demonstrate their understanding of the pigs’ conditioning.

Poultry 

An upgrade to the poultry cool-room facilities and condenser is scheduled for this week, providing better temperature control and storage conditions for the eggs.

Workshop

Maintenance and preparation of the College’s hay-making equipment are well underway in anticipation of the upcoming hay season. Students are actively involved in machinery maintenance, servicing, and safe equipment operation.

The silage wrapper, baler, and hay tedder have been thoroughly cleaned after last season’s use and are now being tested to ensure they operate correctly and are ready for the season ahead.

The hay mower's blades have been sharpened to ensure they are in good condition for efficient cutting and a clean finish.