Farm Manager Report

As the COVID year winds down and the students complete their course qualifications the Farm and farm staff continue operating and planning for next year’s season.

As for the 2020 season, farmers in this area should definitely not complain. We have received to date 1040 mm of rain which provided an excellent growing platform for pastures and fodder crops. I dare not say it was too wet but we did have some extreme erosion and waterlogging on some of the pastures. Silage and hay production is now nearing completion and yields and quality are very good.

Recent sheep and cattle sales have been some of the best prices seen for years, particularly the cattle. Recent calves sold at auction averaged 332kg and made 440/kg returning an average of $1480/head. Excess cows sold made $2000.00/head. A mature Angus bull weighing in at 1000kg produced $3200.00. These type of beef prices are very encouraging going forward and building herd numbers up to meet demand.

As we look back on a strange year we must also reflect on some of the great achievements the farm and students have achieved.

Wagin Woolarama

Students performed in the sheep and cattle sections and were outstanding in behaviour and presentation.

Construction of the new cattle yards 

New cattle yards have been constructedon the Eastern Block and recently we have had the opportunity to use them - they are working out so very well. All beef cattle were recently weaned in the new facilities without a problem and also keeping the bellowing mothers and calves away from the residential areas of Denmark.

New Staff

Welcoming some new staff into the farm team. At the Dairy Mr Frankam-Eade and more recently Mr Seib in the beef section, replacing Mrs Parsons while on maternity leave. On that subject congratulations to Mrs Parsons and her husband with the arrival of a beautiful girl “Hillary Joanne “.

Dairy

The Dairy is on track to produce one million litres of milk from reduced cow numbers than in previous years. A huge success for the staff involved in making sure the animal nutrition and health is at its absolute best.

AWI Sheep Breeders Challenge

Congratulations to the College for winning the AWI Sheep Breeders Challenge at Narrogin. Once again student presentation and efforts were outstanding. 

AWI Shearer Training

The completion of the AWI shearing training, the completion of the Cert III Advanced Woolhandling and also the shearing of all the remaining woolly sheep. The efforts of staff and all students who bent over and sheared the remaining sheep is a credit to everyone, particularly Mr Schulz for co-ordinating the entire event. One Year Twelve student achieved a Certificate II in shearing, de-fleecing over sixty big strong crossbred hoggets.

Thanks must be given to Mr Scahill for driving the training in all areas of the farm and organising the Cert III Woolhandling to occur along with so many other events.

Equipment

The farm continues to invest in the purchase and leasing of new tractors and equipment. Introducing GPS and auto technology to the students is an important aspect of training, ensuring they experience modern farming techniques. Recently the College purchased a new FWD Canter truck for the farm and had it converted to a tipper for extra convenience.

In conclusion, all these developments on the farm are great and we will continue to strive to build and operate an industry best farm and worksite, but the real success is the student’s development and education. To be able to provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can train in a commercial arena, is a privilege and pleasure. We look forward to another year to come.