Ag Round-Up 

Agriculture has had a very busy start to the school year. On Monday 06/03, HSC Agriculture students travelled to Pilliga to participate in a workshop run by UNE on dung beetle ecology. Students learned about beetle species, environment, and conservation. “Dung beetles are important for replacing nutrients in soil and improving aeration” says Caitlyn Coutts-Smith. Students have been applying their understanding to the dung beetle population at the school Ag Farm.

The school has recently taken possession of six merino wethers. Agriculture students across all stages will be working with the merinos in order to prepare them for the Merino Challenge in August 2023. This will involve feeding them on rations and performing husbandry techniques.

On Monday 13/03 students in Stage 5 and 6 Agriculture, Stage 6 Primary Industries, and Stage 6 Biology were involved in an incursion run by Austral Fisheries based in WA. Sam and Ash from Austral introduced students to life aboard prawn and fish trawlers, devices to reduce bycatch, and the range of jobs available aboard Austral vessels. A highlight of the presentation was students’ participation in a VR production line, in which they had to separate target species from bycatch.

Finally, we'd like to wish Caitlyn Coutts-Smith and Mackenzie Jones every success as they prepare to leave for the Sydney Royal Easter Show where they will compete in the Junior Judging challenge. After a successful year last year competing as junior judges, Caitlynn and Mackenzie qualified to apply to compete at Sydney Royal. They were delighted to learn last month that they had been selected.