Sheep

This week, Mr Adams took a group of students to the Rabobank WA Sheep Expo and Ram Sale in Katanning, giving them the chance to experience one of WA’s major sheep industry events.

Students explored more than 30 stud displays and gained valuable insights into sheep breeding, genetics, wool quality, and animal conformation. A highlight of the day was observing sheep judging and appraisal, where students learned what judges and producers look for when selecting breeding and commercial sheep.

A major focus of the visit was sheep judging and appraisal. Students watched experienced judges assess sheep and gained a better understanding of the qualities that make an animal stand out in the show ring. Mr Adams guided students in assessing structure and wool characteristics, while considering how these traits influence an animal’s suitability for breeding or commercial production.

Students also saw the preparation and presentation of stud sheep ahead of the ram sale, gaining a better understanding of how breeding stock is selected, prepared, and marketed. The event provided a link between what students learn at the College and real-world practices within the sheep industry.

Horticulture

The horticulture section has been busy with a range of seasonal activities, with students gaining valuable hands-on experience through their involvement in daily operations. Strawberries from the hot house are currently being harvested regularly for use in the College kitchen, with surplus fruit also used to make jam. Avocados are also coming into production and are being supplied to the kitchen, where they feature on the breakfast menu as avocado smash on toast.

General maintenance of the horticulture areas is ongoing, including weed and pest control, mowing, and whipper snipping around garden beds, paths, buildings, and other hard-to-reach areas. These activities help maintain the College's grounds while giving students experience in equipment operation, chemical application, and routine grounds maintenance.

We focused on the Shiraz grapevines, which Year 10 students recently pruned. This provided an excellent learning opportunity, with students developing their skills in selecting suitable canes, removing unwanted growth, and preparing the vines for the upcoming growing season.

Beef

Calving has now been completed, with strong birth rates across the herd and most calves progressing well. Marking has also been successfully completed.

Attention has now turned to preparing our steers for the upcoming Perth Royal Show and Brunswick Show. Students are assisting with selection, feeding, handling, and general preparation to ensure the cattle are presented in the best possible condition.

Paddock fertilising programs are progressing well, with Mr Bean and the students applying fertiliser to key paddocks to support pasture growth and production. Some paddocks are currently being grazed before being closed off for hay production later in the season.

Dairy

The dairy had a busy, productive week, with 15 calves born, increasing the workload for feeding and calf care. Maintaining the rotation through the calf shed remains important to ensure adequate space, hygiene, and the wellbeing of all calves. Students have been cleaning pens and moving calves to fresh pens and small paddocks as part of their daily management routines.

Fertiliser applications across the dairy paddocks are well underway, with students working alongside Mr Bean and gaining valuable experience in fertiliser application and the operation of the Amazone spreader. Some paddocks will be closed off later in the year for silage and hay production, helping to build feed reserves for the dairy.

The rotation for the grazing milking herd has been challenging due to wet weather conditions. Despite the reduced pasture access and difficult ground conditions, students and staff have continued to manage the rotation closely and adjust the grazing program as required. After milking, students have been topping pasture and fertilising to maintain pasture quality and encourage more even regrowth.

Pigs

Five new pigs arrived at the College this week for entry into the Royal Perth show for the Pigs in Schools categories; this will be a first for our Ag College.

The program aims to give students insight into commercial pig production, provide practical experience and an understanding of employment opportunities within the pork industry, establish an industry-driven and commercially relevant youth competition, and give students the opportunity to compete at the show. Our piglets are progressing well and continue to put on good weight.

Poultry

Egg production continues at a steady rate, with students feeding, collecting eggs, monitoring bird health, and managing the flock. Preparations are also underway to strengthen protection against the risk of bird flu, with improvements being made to housing, hygiene, and biosecurity measures.

Mrs Watson and her students recently attended a Unison Farm excursion to observe commercial egg production and poultry handling practices. The visit provided insights into animal welfare, safe handling techniques, feeding, flock observation, egg production, and biosecurity. They also compared commercial operations with the College’s own poultry enterprise and applied their observations to their practical learning.

Workshop

A range of farm maintenance and repair work has been carried out this week. This included repairs to the side hinges on the farm truck, repairs to the Kubota loader's drive shaft seals, and repairs to the windscreen washer hose on a ute after a rat damaged it.

Work is also underway on sheep fencing to maintain secure paddock boundaries with Mr Morris.

FINANCE/ADMIN

Teresa.Hickman@education.wa.edu.au