Farm Manager

It’s hard to find much to complain about when the sun keeps shining and the clouds keep delivering moisture on a regular basis. With an annual rainfall to date of 720 millimetres with falls of 138 for August and followed by 52 in September, the finish to the growing season has been sensational. This has put pasture growth at a premium, contributing to calves and lambs growing at high rates. The feed on offer at times has seemed marginal due to the silage paddocks being shut-up but now late in October pasture quality and growth is pleasing. In recent weeks we have been harvesting the conserved pastures and selling off the season’s sucker lambs.

Perth Royal Show 2022

After weeks of preparation farm staff and students attended the Perth Royal Show achieving some outstanding results. A team of 20 steers were finally prepared after what was a serious challenge to break them in and get them there, but after challenges such as temperament issues, ring worm outbreak and leg injuries the team was complete. With quite a range of breeds and types, Denmark was awarded a Reserve Champion in the Extra Heavy Weight category on the hoof. 

Prior to the dispersal of the animals, students competed in the Student and State Finals in Cattle Parading. Denmark students dominated this event in every age group and were widely recognised as the highest performing school.         

A very pleasing sale followed the next day with Perth butchers paying a premium for the well prepared livestock. Highlight of the sale was the Reserve Champion steer making $6,400. Lightweight steers made market value but the more desirable weight ranges, (500-550kg) were sought after and returned around the $7/kg liveweight. In total, the 20 steers averaged $3,580/ head returning $7/kg on the hoof. A relieving result considering the high costs of purchasing the animals earlier in the year.

The animals were then slaughtered and the hook results were also very pleasing. Just missing out on the Grand Champion Carcass was a Charolias X steer purchased from Rayview Farms Albany. This steer was second overall and awarded Reserve Champion Heavyweight while another Limousin X steer was awarded Reserve Champion Extra Heavy Weight Carcass. Most of the twenty steers were in the top half of results with very pleasing fat depths and dressing percentages.

The College also took Corriedale Stud sheep and AWI Wethers to Perth for exhibition. Along with a strong team of Sheep Club students the school achieved great success winning the AWI Wether Challenge and students taking out several handling and judging events. The presentation of the livestock, and the professional approach shown by all sheep and cattle club students was outstanding.

Trust Allocations:

During August a meeting to distribute funds from the Trust to the Colleges was completed and Denmark was one of the many which received their requested machinery items.  Denmark received approvals for the requested items and we are now able to purchase a: Truck and bin combination $145000, Fertiliser Spreader $54000, Sheep yard roof $48000  and an extension to the Case tractor lease from 2023-2024 to the value $29500. A total of $277000 was approved.

Harris Block Pine Plantation.

In regards to the thinning and harvesting of a controlled quantity of the Radiata Pine from the Harris Block plantation, I have discussed with Mr Albert Adams our desire to proceed with thinning during the summer months of next year. The road has been constructed and the surface is drying out adequately. Mr Adams has spoken to two independent companies interested in the contract and has been establishing our requirements along with the physical and financial aspects. 

Points for discussion:

• Proceed with the original plan to thin out every second row and harvest blue gums on the Western end of the plantation. Proceeds to contribute to the continued development of the block including vermin fence the perimeter and stock fence subdivision.
• Discuss harvesting the entire plantation and evaluate the possible financial contribution to the farm and where that type of investment could be best utilised.

Staff Retirement

Recent notification of a Farm staff retirement has been accepted. After many years of service to the College, Mr Nigel Levinson has formally provided a notice of retirement. This will commence at the end of the year, however Mr Levinson has been on and will continue to take medical leave until this time. The Technical Officer position has been advertised seeking applicants with relevant experience to apply for a commencement in 2023. While this appointment will no doubt take time to develop, the vineyard and the season’s crop is approaching a critical time for specific operations. The farm staff have been doing a great job filling in for the staff absence and have completed the important tasks of pruning, vine reconstruction (pruning), fertilising, spraying, weed and pest control, and trellis repair and maintenance. We look forward to employing a suitable person to take responsibility and strive for the success of the grove.

We wish Mr Levinson all the very best in his retirement.