FARM

Wagin Woolorama

I would like to thank Mr Watt, Mr Adams, Mr Swallow and Mr Rice for making themselves available to attend the Wagin Woolorama last Saturday with our students.  Some students took part in Merino sheep, wool, beef and British sheep judging events while others chose to watch.  Everyone had the opportunity to view the many displays and activities offered throughout the day. 

Thank you and congratulations to those who nominated themselves for the events, took part in training sessions prior and then represented the College on the day.

Infrastructure

Two long awaited infrastructure projects have commenced this week. Firstly, the upgrade to the College Dairy is finally underway with DeLaval technicians on site installing new milk meters, lifting the milk line up to a highline and shifting the receival can and milk pump.  We are still awaiting the arrival of the new feeders and pellet silo.

At the Sheep section a shelter is being installed over the yards to provide shade and protection during the different seasons.  Contractors are onsite setting up and digging the footings and have commenced installation commencing.

Maize Crop

Contractors were on site last week harvesting our maize crop which Mr Falkingham has been nurturing over the past three months.  All went according to plan, and we now have 90 tonnes of maize silage in a bunker at the dairy which eventually will be fed to our dairy cows.

Across the Farm

Mr Curran has been working in the Farm workshop with his students repairing and servicing various pieces of our equipment.  They have given our Supreme mixer wagon the once over in readiness for feeding out the maize silage.

Mr Olde has been instructing our new students in chemical usage this week, involving them in boom spray calibration, SDS form interpretation and record keeping. These demonstration days will continue next term with topics including farm fencing, identifying and marking livestock and handling livestock. These demonstrations relate directly to the units of competence that we deliver to our students.

Cattle Club

Cattle Club is progressing well with Mrs Quilty and Mr Cunningham who has kindly volunteered his time to help out.  Our aim is to have the cattle ready to enter in events at the Harvey Show.

Our beef herd has commenced calving with approximately 65 cows with calves on the ground to date and no calving problems encountered.

Geoff Howell and the Farm staff