FARM

Sheep

Crutching of the Merino ewes was completed this week. Fresh sheep dung samples were collected and submitted to the laboratory for analysis to determine worm species and burden levels, including parasites such as barber’s pole worm and black scour worm. Supplementary feeding is ongoing. Following recent rainfall, the sheep paddocks are looking lush and green.

Horticulture

The Harvey Show was a great success. The Harvey Ag vegetable entries were judged by the Harvey Agricultural Society and achieved outstanding results, including nine first places, six second places, and the overall highest points award in the vegetable section. Congratulations to Mr Lawrence for his extensive preparation and setup, and to Mr Olde for his excellent efforts in growing.

Beef

Calf marking has been underway this week, with students actively engaged in the program and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the Beef section. Well done to Ms Davis and Mr Italiano for their efforts

Dairy

Students have been involved in medicating heifers, as well as sorting and fitting collars for future herd members in preparation for joining the milking herd. This work has been carried out by students with the support of Mr Howell.

Clipping, washing, grooming, and leading practice are ongoing under Ms Quilty's guidance. Preparations are also well underway for the upcoming WA Autumn Dairy Fair in Brunswick, with hay, straw, leads, and equipment being organised. A total of 16 heifers and 20 students will be attending the event.

These activities are in addition to daily operations, including milking, drafting, AI procedures, calf feeding, and feeding out hay rolls.

Equine

Barrel racing has been introduced and practised, with new riders progressing well as they develop skills and build confidence with their horses. Recent growth of green pasture across the equine paddocks has been especially beneficial, providing the horses with additional energy. Preparations for the upcoming Open Day are also underway.

Pigs

The pigs have demonstrated excellent weight gain this week, with an average increase of 9.8 kg and an average liveweight of 70.5 kg. All animals are progressing very well.

Poultry

The chickens are doing well and are being supplemented with horticultural scraps to provide additional greens. A total of 900 eggs were donated to the local food bank over the past week.

Workshop

Mr Italiano and students completed repairs on the farm’s car trailer this week, including the replacement of a wheel stud. Maintenance was also carried out on a ride-on mower, with both the pulley and belt replaced. In addition, the seed roller is currently undergoing an upgrade to its drawbar.

Tractor operations are demonstrated and practised each Friday, providing students with valuable hands-on experience as part of their training program.

Over the past two weeks, Mr Morris has inspected electric fences across all farm sections, including installing new insulators, checking the wire, and adding a new energiser in the Dairy section. Many thanks to Mr Morris and the students for their efforts.

Parks and Gardens

Mr Carbone from Parks and Gardens, together with students, has been actively maintaining the school grounds. This week, the oval was marked with the 50‑metre arc, boundary lines, behind lines, and goal square in preparation for upcoming Country Week football training and after‑school activities.