Hay Inc has delivered the Hay Inc Rural Education Program for 10 years, and now have 145 young adults that make up the Hay Inc Alumni.

After completing their final training week, graduation was held after competing in the Junior Sheep Judging at the 2024 Hay Sheep Show. 

Training during the course included stock water repair and maintenance with Bede Schiller and Tom Porter, motor bike maintenance with Les Lewis, fence construction with Sandy Symons; tractor and machinery operation with Richard Cannon.

Graduates also learnt cattle handling with Richard Cannon and Matt Ireson, animal health and lamb post mortems with Felicity Willis from Coopers Animal Health and sheep and cattle pregnancy ultrasound training with Cameron Clark. 

Training was delivered at Sandra and Matt Ireson’s property “Belmont” Booligal, and Richard and Sarah Cannon’s  property “Rosevale” Hay.

Lamb Marking trainers Rowan Houston and John Porter delivered at Rowan and Sarah Houston’s property “Benduck” Hay. 

Lamb assessment training with Chris Bowman and Geoff McDougal, using stock provided by George Auldist was held at Shear Outback Hay.

Merino sheep classing expertise was shared by Chris Bowman and Peter McGregor at “Burrabogie” Hay.

The Mathew Vick Scholarship was awarded to Isabelle Willis. Jackson Brinin won Hay Inc Encouragement award and Junior Merino Judging at Hay Sheep Show.

Fellow graduate Georgia Wragge was placed third in Junior Merino Sheep Judging.

“The Hay Inc Committee would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and supporters of the very successful Hay Inc Rural Education Program,” said program manager Sandra Ireson.

Applications are now open for the 2025 Hay Inc Rural Education Program. 

The application form can be found online at https://www.hayinc.com.au/apply-now/.

Enquires to Sandra Ireson Hay Inc Program Manager – email info@hayinc.com.au or phone 0439 938119.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 26 June 2024.