Farm Manager

Once again, the farm has been very busy coping through a wet couple of months. With 305 millimetres of rain in June and another 130 in July the farm is certainly damp enough under foot. During the colder weeks pasture growth slowed considerably, however as the days get longer along with some spring sunshine, growth is set up to accelerate. All livestock are continuing in their rotational grazing systems with feed supply closely managed to achieve the best outcomes for livestock growth rates and pasture regrowth. 

What’s been happening lately?

Work in the vineyard has been a priority during July to achieve the pruning and vine maintenance before the seasons change and budburst. Trellis wires have been replaced and fertiliser applied to give the vines a boost before high growth rates arrive at bud burst. Snail pellets are also distributed to prevent damage during this critical set-up time.

At the dairy, August brings the arrival of new calves and lots of extra responsibility. After birth, the calves are taken into the calf shed and fed on their mother’s milk, while their mothers are bought into the herd to start their lactation. They are closely monitored for health and wellbeing and after a few days are mixed with the herd for regular milking.

At the shearing shed the show sheep are in preparation for the Perth Royal Show. The Sheep Club students gather after school on Wednesdays and practice their handling and judging techniques. The rams and ewes are on a light grain (pellet) ration to maintain adequate condition prior to the show. Recently the farm purchased a second-hand Draffen Sheep handler which the students have been learning how to operate. The handler provides the students with the equipment to adequately crutch the animal without the need to flip over and drag out of a catching pen. While one group worked on the adult ewes another drenched and crutched the lambs.

Selected sheep students attended the Interschool Merino Challenge held at the Katanning Ram Expo. Students were invited to spend some time with reputable Merino stud breeders gaining industry knowledge and experience. Concluding with a Merino Ram judging competition against the other Ag Colleges (Cunderdin, Harvey, Narrogin), our students judged 4 merino rams and delivered their opinions to a overseeing judge. This is a team event where points are combined to give a total score for each team of students. We had great success winning the day and taking top honours (for the second year in a row). Many comments were received from Breeders and Industry associates on our students' presentation, skills and knowledge of Stud Merino sheep. 

Thanks to Kurt Wise, who was the overseeing judge, for not only judging the event but also taking the time to share his knowledge and advice with our students and encourage them to continue to get involved in the sheep industry. 

Farm staff and students recently had the opportunity to freeze brand some of the cattle herds. Freeze branding is when a very cold brand, chilled by dry ice is placed onto the animal’s skin for fifty seconds which creates a white hair scald with the animal’s identity. It is a very accurate method of identification which never rubs off or gets lost. Students dedicated a Saturday to work with visiting Animal Herd Technician, Miss Billi Marshall and branded all of the young Holstein and Angus heifers. The farm plans to brand all young stock every year and in a short time all cattle will be numbered. Photos of Cara Jones firstly shaving the hair off a heifer and then applying the brand to another.

Pictured is Jade Erasmus who recently experienced one of the real lows during preparation for the Beverly Show. While leading this Simmental steer, it decided to take off dragging Jade along the cold cement, through the wet water and cow manure. To her credit she stood up. Shocked and upset and just on the border of breaking into tears, Mr Marshall said “smile Jade photo for the newsletter." With a smile and positive attitude Jade then overcome the challenge and continued with the afternoon’s events. 

Workshop:

The farm workshop is always busy keeping machinery serviced and attending breakdown repairs. Recently the farm groups have also refurbished the old horse float which needed some repairs. It has been a steady project stripping the float back to bare frame and then replacing necessary parts. The wheel bearings, brakes and brake lines were renewed. The floor was replaced with Jarrah boards and new wiring and taillights installed. Students have gained a wide range of experience experiencing all the different challenges with the rebuild. Nearing completion, the float will be ready for use shortly.

In conclusion the farm operations and student activities has once again been very busy. Not to mention throw in an Open Day at the same time which with a nice spring day was very successful. We now strive to complete all Year Twelve student assessments, prepare for the upcoming livestock shows and the ever-looming silage and hay season.

Kevin Marshall

Farm Manager

WACOA - Denmark