FARM

Sheep

The Tilba Tilba Merino Ram Sale was held on Monday, with Mr Adams and Mr Howell attending alongside students. The visit gave students exposure to the Merino industry, allowing them to observe the sale process, assess ram quality and breeding characteristics, and understand how wool quality and genetic traits influence value in the marketplace. The College also purchased five rams to support its ongoing sheep breeding program.

The top-priced Poll Merino ram sold for $2,500 to Gidgegannup. The ram recorded an impressive 16.5-micron fibre diameter, a 99.9% comfort factor and a 15.1% coefficient of variation, demonstrating to students the importance of measurable wool traits in breeding decisions. 

Leading up to the sale, the Rintoul family of Tilba Tilba Merinos also won Grand Champion Commercial Fleece at this year's Perth Royal Show, further highlighting the importance of wool quality and industry excellence.

Students participated in shearing again this week, developing their skills in shearing, wool handling and wool preparation. 

Dairy 

The Cattle Club students have been preparing cattle for this week's Brunswick Show, clipping and grooming dairy cattle to ensure they are presented at their best. Students have been learning show preparation, animal handling, and the importance of presentation. 

The dairy herd has had several collars replaced, which helps monitor herd management and support efficient dairy operations.

Pigs

Twenty-one pigs were sent to DBC, with five returning to supply pork to the College kitchen. The remaining pigs are scheduled for dispatch next week, allowing time to thoroughly clean the facilities over the Christmas holiday period before the next batch arrives at the beginning of Term 1, 2027.

The chooks continue to lay well, and their outdoor area has responded positively to a heavy application of lime sand. Grass coverage has improved significantly, and the vines are thriving for the first time since planting. The chooks are also enjoying a daily supply of vegetables.

Hay and Silage

Mr Bean and Mr Morris are making hay while the sun shines. Silage making is continuing, with students gaining experience operating trucks and tractors. These activities are helping students develop their machinery operation skills while understanding  feed production processes.

Beef

The Beef section has been busy this week, with trade cattle being prepared for the Brunswick Show and store cattle transported to the sale yards. Weaning is continuing,  and vaccinations have been completed to support animal health.

Horticulture

The Horticulture section is preparing for the new growing season, with students involved in ground preparation, driving tractors and laying plastic mulch. The garden beds have now been formed and are ready for planting, with seedlings for the new season due to arrive next week.  Thanks to the efforts of Mr Lawrence and Mr Haumann.

The hothouse will also be cleaned and prepared for the new year’s planting of tomatoes, capsicums and cucumbers.

Butcher Shop

Bob the Butcher returned this week to process the College’s own livestock after they returned from the DBC abattoir. Under Mr McGee's guidance, students were introduced to the correct use of butchering tools and machinery. 

Workshop

Students repaired the old tipper and carried out routine maintenance on the hay-making machinery, byservicing, cleaning, and greasing equipment to keep it in good working order while hay-making continues.