Farm Manager

What’s been happening on the farm this Term?

The Year 12 students have completed their final assessments and have left to gain employment out there in the wide world. We wish them all the best in seeking employment or furthering their education and that they enjoy and can continue to develop skills and experience.

Albany Show

A major highlight for Term 4 was the Albany Show. Staff and students transported sheep, wool and cattle, both beef and dairy to the event to participate in various competitions. This was a large exercise with two truck loads of cattle and a bus full of students. 

Firstly the stud Simmental cattle were exhibited with students preparing the animals by washing, drying and grooming. There were several individual ribbons gained but the highlight was winning the group of two heifers competing against all other breeds where there were over twelve pairs of animals in the same class. This was a huge achievement against such a large class.

The dairy heifers were also displayed and were prepared and presented in excellent fashion. Students participated in the parading of the dairy events and did a great job. 

The student beef and dairy parading events were a demonstration of some excellent junior handlers including several past students. The standard was very high and the nerves played a definite role.

Once again the beef and dairy judging events were dominated by past students demonstrating some excellent skills. The Denmark Year 10 students did a great job competing in these events and gaining valuable experience.

The College Sheep Club also had a great event exhibiting the Stud Corriedale livestock. Several champion ribbon ribbons were awarded, and students did very well in the handling and judging events. Congratulations to all students who participated.

As the fourth term quickly disappears the farm doesn’t stop moving. Things have been very hectic with hay and silage production in full swing. Unfortunately, Denmark’s fabulous weather has caused some challenges and the operating windows of production were extremely tight. However, the farm staff managed this well and a total of 1400 silage and 100 hay bales have been produced to date. There is still another 20 hectares of hay to be turned and baled in the coming days. Well done to all staff contributing to a successful harvest.

Recent sheep and cattle sales

Crossbred lambs were sold earlier this month directly to WAMMCO in Katanning. 260 lambs were weighed and selected ready for market with an average liveweight of 45kg. After processing the lambs were sold for $6.80/kg returning $178 per head. Another 200 lambs are being prepared for sale in the next two weeks.

The annual sale of weaner steers and heifers were selected from the commercial cattle herd during the month. 46 steers and 26 heifers were sold at Mt Barker Sale yards on Thursday 17th November. Highlights were: Steers weighing 364kg making $5.50c/kg returning $2002/ head. Steers weighing 288kg making $6.26c/kg returning $1802.

Other events around the farm

Replacement avocado trees have been planted in the grove to replace trees that have not prospered very well. Plenty of avocado’s are now being harvested and distributed to the kitchen. Large quantities of summer vegetables are now being planted in readiness for the new year’s demands.

Dairy cows and heifers have been put through the spring breeding program and artificially inseminated. These are the cows which will calve in September next year completing the spring milking rotation.

Farm Staff would like to wish everybody a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and we look forward to another season to greet us next year.