FARM 

Yuma (Hello) to you all. 

My name is Tony Abel and I recently joined the Harvey Ag College as the Farm Manager. Taking over from long serving Farm Manager Mr Geoff Howell, who will be retiring following some well-earned long service leave. 

I was lucky enough to have a few days with Geoff on farm, before he left and I thank him for taking the time to share his knowledge and passion for the Farm and the school. He certainly loves the Farm, the College and the way things work here.

By way of introduction, I began life on a dairy, beef and sheep farm in the Bay of Islands of New Zealand. Spending my early years at the local country primary school with less than 35 students, before attending an agricultural boarding school for 5 years. This was a school like Harvey Ag with a 1000 head commercial dairy, beef, sheep and deer enterprises but with 600 students. 

I first came to Australia in 1983 where I studied Farm Business Management at Orange Agricultural College (then University of Sydney), before working for large family and corporate farms and industry organisations across the eastern states. Whilst there I was involved in building feedlots, managing livestock and crop operations on irrigated and dry land properties, exporting cattle and establishing industry quality assurance and biosecurity systems, before spending the last five years as the Operations Manager for Brumbies Rugby in Canberra. 

My wife Michele and I have twelve kids, seven of our own and five others that we raised and who have been with us for over 25 years.  Today we have 29 grandchildren with number 30 arriving in the USA in March. 

I have had a great time over the first three weeks of life here, meeting and getting to know and working with a great group of Technical Officers.  I have found how the Farm staff are committed to managing their area and teaching agriculture, whilst working and watch new and old students excitedly settle into the new school year.  

There has been plenty of learning about the history and culture of the College, enduring induction (😊) and learning how the processes and systems of a government boarding college works. There is much to learn and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities this presents. 

Assistant Farm Managers

Brad Falkingham continues as the Assistant Farm Manager with a focus on the livestock enterprises. Chris Curran joins the management team as the other Assistant Farm Manager with a focus on the staff roster, excursions, equipment servicing and management. Both Brad and Chris are maintaining their time spent with students.

Equine

Over the past two weeks a small army of interested and committed students have been working with staff to tidy up the equine area so it’s ready and safe for both horse and student. They have done a great job weeding, rock picking, leveling the working yards, straightening rails, yards and fences, cleaning the stables, tac rooms and other areas.  There are a few more jobs to be completed over the next couple of weeks. 

Over 27 students have expressed interest in riding activities with 22 planning to bring a horse or two on farm. Farm management will establish a grazing / agistment plan to ensure we can handle the numbers, while maintaining the College horses for those students who don't have their own horse.

Students and parents, please become familiar with the Equine Guidelines which includes all the forms that must be completed before horses can arrive. These include: 

• Horse Agistment Agreement.
• 2024 Horse Riding Agreement.
• Horse Details. 
• Medical Details. 
• Horse Declaration.
• Student Horse Float (for those hoping to leave their float on farm).

Please complete and email the forms to Harvey.AC@education.wa.edu.au as paddocks will be limited.

Once you have submitted all the paperwork, you will need to communicate with Brian Edwards to schedule the arrival of your horse and you will be required to complete the ‘Horse Arrival Checklist’ (which is worth ensuring you have everything you need on the day).

Finally, Brian will conduct a 'Riding Assessment' for each student before they can ride at College and he will look to start this process in week six using College horses. 

Other than that, we look forward to a positive experience for everyone involved in 2024!

Around the Farm

A big shout out to Steve Cruickshank, students and other staff who assisted with the Shiraz harvest. The grapes hit the mark and we have been asked to deliver more this week. Well done!

The first pick of table grapes is quickly approaching.  The pumpkins are growing well, including the giant pumpkins destined for the Harvey Show in April. 

Despite the battles with infrastructure, Matt Olde has started the hydroponics which is progressing well.

The livestock enterprises across the Farm are ticking along despite the heat and dry conditions. The first selection and draft of wethers for the Perth Royal Show has been completed by students. Students have been involved in the ram inspections.

The first draft of replacement heifers for the Angus commercial herd has been completed and steers have been selected for the upcoming feed trial. 

Students are back in the daily routine of milking and working across all enterprises on Farm and the herd is milking well. 

Have a good weekend.