College Farm
The purpose of the farm is to provide a learning resource for students to acquire and practice skills associated with the agricultural sphere. The training is delivered by staff that on average have twenty years of practical experience.
The farm program enables students to meet the requirements of Level II Certificates within the National Agriculture Training Package which features competency based assessment. The farm consists of 2,114 hectares of which 1,347 hectares are arable and supports a range of standard and alternative enterprises.
Research and Technology Agricentre
Each year the College hosts a large variety of cropping trials conducted by a range of commercial operators, the Department of Agriculture and UWA. These trials feature both government and privately funded trials by national and international companies. In 2007, the College signed a MOU with the WA No-Till Farmers Association (WANTFA) for the commencement of 30ha twelve year no-till cropping trial. It is anticipated this partnership will provide extensive educational opportunities for students. The College has sought industry involvement at a range of levels and has now embedded a profile as a Research and Technology Agricentre in the Wheatbelt.
Farm Enterprises
The College conducts the following enterprises as an educational resource to deliver competency based training to all students.
1. Cropping
On average 900 hectares of crop are sown to wheat, lupins,
barley, canola and oats for hay. Students gain experience
with the operation of modern technology rich equipment. During
the peak times of sowing and harvest, students are rostered
to drive machinery throughout the day and into the evening.
2. Sheep
The flock consists of 1,350 AMS merino ewes 50% of which are
selected from test results and mated to AMS rams to provide
replacement ewes for the whole flock. The balance of the ewes
are mated to Poll Dorset rams for the production of lambs
for the Q lamb market. A 50 ewe Poll Dorset stud provides
some of our ram requirements as well as student exposure to
the stud breeding industry.
3. Pigs
The forty five sow herd produces pork and bacon for the slaughter
market. Our production system has been modernised and streamlined
through the introduction of a batch farrowing system. The
piggery has achieved Level II Quality Assurance (QA) Accreditation.
College animals regularly achieve the top price at sales.
4. Cattle
Various mobs of cattle are run to accommodate the specific
requirements of the Campus. A ration herd is maintained to
supply the kitchen requirements and a small breeding herd of Black Angus
is run to satisfy training needs for students undertaking a
Beef Specialisation in Year 12.
5. Poultry
The Campus runs a 300 bird laying system housed
in a barn style layout.
6. Butchershop
In our modern facility, students learn the techniques involved
in the selection, slaughter, preparation and supply of meat
to the Campus kitchen. This is achieved through handling 20
beasts, 280 sheep and 70 pigs annually.
7. Workshop
Students learn the techniques and processes of vehicle and
machinery repair and maintenance through actual daily operations.