Kristin Murdock, Naracoorte Community News
While the Adelaide Royal Show is not until September, the Naracoorte High School Agricultural Studies students are already preparing for the challenge.
With steers and Merino wethers to get in shape, Ag Studies teacher, Emma Phillip is excited there are over 40 students being involved in the program and praises their commitment.
“This includes after school training to train the animals and working as a team to develop showmanship skills,” she said. “Students are involved in the whole process, from working with the animals to feeding, general husbandry tasks and learning how to parade animals for the show. Currently, the school has nine steers and 10 merino wethers being prepared.”
The Year 10 students have also enjoyed working with the wethers to learn about fibre production and how to judge the animals on constitution, conformation, and wool quality.
Emma said the team would like to say “a big thank you” to the breeders of the animals who have been such a great support for the program.
“These people include Bottlesford Murray Greys, Days Whiteface, JB Angus, Limek Limousins, Phillips Cattle Company and Spence Show Steers,“ she said.
Over the last school holidays, the Ag Block saw some redevelopments including a new pad for the sheep yards to be moved onto and a new entry fence to the farm which has helped the program become more efficient.
Adelaide Sheep Expo
Alice McKenzie, Year 10 Agriculture Student was a participant in the Sheep Expo during April.
“Eight Naracoorte High School students were involved and many other students from across Australia joined us.” Alice said.
The Adelaide Sheep Expo teaches participants about possible careers involving sheep and teaches participants how to show and judge sheep.
“Over the course of the three days, there were many lessons during each day. These lessons included practical work and listening to speakers educate participants about their careers and or business,” Alice said.
“Every participant was given a sheep that they had to break in and prepare for showing on the last day. Junior students were given a buddy who helped and gave tips and tricks to their younger students who weren’t sure what to do.”
Cattle Handlers Camp
At the start of this term, six keen Year 9 Agriculture students from NHS attended the SE Cattle Handlers Camp. Students learnt about meat cuts, working dogs, nutrition, clipping, washing and drying cattle, and making halters.
“The highlight of the two days was being able to lead cattle for the first time, lots of smiles and sore arms,” teacher, Emma said. “Thank you to the SE Cattle Handlers committee for organising a fantastic event and allowing our students to learn more about the cattle industry.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
