FARM

This year we have embarked on a refurbishment of our orchard and vine section of the College farm. This has involved removing half of our original Imperial mandarin trees, with the other half to be removed later this year or next year.

Mr Cruickshank and his students have been replanting citrus trees this term with replacement Imperial mandarins and a new variety in the Midnight Valencia orange. We have also increased our planting of avocado trees.

In our table grape block we replaced two rows of trellising last year with the plan to replace the remaining trellis over Term 2 of this year. Students have been assisting with the fabrication of the new trellis in the farm workshop with Mr Campion.

In the Vegetables area Mrs Morris and her students have done a fantastic job this term supplying the College kitchen with a variety of fresh produce.  At our recent catering meeting Kelly, our Chef commented that this term’s supply of produce has been of the best quality and volume supplied to the kitchen to date.

The College has also engaged an irrigation consultant to plan an upgrade to the irrigation infrastructure for the Horticulture area. This is being funded from a Trust funding submission.

A contract has also been awarded for the re-piping of the College’s two centre pivots, which will include new sprinklers and remote operation.

On Sheep this week Mr Adams and students were involved in the pregnancy scanning of both our terminal and Merino ewes, with the results being 100% of the terminal ewes pregnant and 98% of the Merino ewes. This is a great result for Mr Adams and the College.

I would just like to remind all students and parents that when rostered to farm, students need to come prepared with their trade bag and PPE.  Over the last couple of weeks it has been noted that some students are not coming prepared for their day on farm.

Farm staff wish everyone an enjoyable break and look forward to seeing you all in Term 2.