Agriculture students from Moss Vale High School have had a bucking good time at various events and intiatives in the past month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The students have put agriculture on show and performed impressively in competitions throughout the state.
South Coast Beef Spectacular
The South Coast Beef Spectacular is a hoof and hook event. It is conducted by the South Coast Beef Producers Association in an aim to promote beef production to the region's youth. Two steers were donated to Moss Vale High by Target Creek Farm for a period of 12 weeks. Manildra Stockfeeds provided pellets for the steers to eat. The students then had to add the correct amount of roughage to balance the diet and achieve target weights for the steers. Students were assigned the task of quietening, halter-training and feeding the animals to reach a particular market specification for the meat trade. They then had to write a detailed report and presentation for the judges. While the steers did not place on the hoof, they each gained third place on the hook.
READ MORE: Wakakirri competition a success
Limousin Youth Day
Year 10 agriculture students Amelia Barrington, Oscar Gouldar and Libbie Bowman attended the National Limousin Youth Show on July 5, 6 and 7 at Moss Vale Showgrounds. This event was sponsored by Goldstein Limousins. Studs from all over NSW, Queensland and even Tasmania were represented.
The three-day event included many workshops such as clipping, nutrition, parading, handling, veterinary requirements and meat quality assessment. Industry leaders from all facets provided talks and hands on activities for all show participants. Students were also involved in judging and parading.
Agvision
51 students from years 9-12 attended this valuable day to learn more about the various careers in the agricultural sector. They were joined by 1800 students from various schools across the state. Students could choose from more than 60 workshops that ranged from careers in veterinary science, agricultural economics and water management to sustainable farming, edible insect farming and livestock production industries. The students gained valuable information about the requirements of each career. A team of four students - Katelyn Hall, Nathan Brumfield, Ashleigh Hines and Alistar Whatman - competed in the Young Farmer's Challenge that included teams from approximately 30 schools. This challenge required the team to whip a cup off a stand, identify a number of root crops, traverse a five metre span on two planks and stack straw bales. The team worked exceptionally well together and proudly finished third overall.
Cows Create Careers
Through the Cows Create Careers project, students learn about the dairy industry in a very hands-on way. Burrawang dairy farmers Grant and Jane Sherborne continued their long term support of agricultural education at Moss Vale High by donating two of their six-week-old calves to the project. Students reared and cared for the calves over a period of three weeks, ensuring that all procedures were carried out hygienically and carried out health checks on a daily basis - including weekends.
Dairy Cattle Young Judges Competition
14 students from years 9 and 11 attended the competition to compete in the group final. Students had to judge three classes of dairy cattle which included Holstein-Friesians, Jerseys and Illawarra's. The seven highest scoring students were asked to complete the oral section with six students from Moss Vale High School called up: Monique Amadoro, Courtney Harkness, Ashleigh Hines, Jacki Mant, Henry Whatman and Poppy Blaik. After their scores were tallied, the finalists were announced. Courtney Harkness placed second and Poppy Blaik placed third. The two girls will now go on to compete in the Final at Sydney Royal in 2020.
READ ALSO: Car is the key to engagement
Book Donations
In August the school was donated two books by John Nicoletti to enable young Australians to connect with where their food and fibre comes from. As an adolescent Mr Nicoletti left home with $200 to his name and carved out a life for himself in agriculture. Mr Nicoletti hopes through these books he can inspire the farmers of tomorrow by highlighting the importance of Australia's agriculture industry and the amazing career opportunities it provides. The books The Grower -The Heartbeat of Australia and The Grower, The Roots of Australia are sure to be enjoyed by the students.