FARM

It's been a big week on and off farm this week.

We won at Gate 2 Plate! Despite strong competition from Denmark, Narrogin and Mount Barker our crew were outstanding. We looked great as well!

It was a great day. Winning individual places in most categories and winning the overall challenge ‘by a sizeable margin’ according to the organisers. 

Besides the competition, we had the chance to learn about future technology, virtual grazing, carbon programs, artificial insemination, scanning and preg-testing, Nuffield scholarships, cattle handling and information on the Coles finest carbon neutral meat. It was also a chance to look at plant and equipment and meet producers and representatives. 

We also had one of our steers placing 2nd highest average (ADG) in the program.  (ADG) Average Daily Gain (ADG) is the average amount of weight a market animal will gain each day during the feeding period.

Big thanks to the staff and students of Denmark A for providing a floor to sleep and our meals.

Beef

This week cattle were drafted and inducted into the feedlot. Year 12 students visited the yards, where they accessed cattle going onto feed after a discussion with Mr Falkingham and Mr Craig Martin from Elders, on feeding, selection, and market options. Each student was asked to select an animal that they felt would be the most profitable through the feeding process.  Students will follow that animal through to slaughter and sale, where the results will be calculated. 

Mordallup Bull Sale

Mr Falkingham and eight students attended the Mordallup Bull Sale at Boyanup, purchasing two bulls for the coming breeding season. Students were given the opportunity to inspect and select bulls prior to the sale, then observed the auction.

Shade House

Renovations and relocation of the shade house from the old school to new school are in progress. Both are older than we thought being built in 1990 so they need structural maintenance and repairs allowing us to use them for another 10 years. When they are completed, we will be able to ramp up production and education outcomes in crops and horticulture, specifically hydroponics and alternative growing systems as a way of the future.

Weekend Stock Roster