Down at EFTC the cooler months bring in a fresh round of seeding for this year’s crops of canola, wheat and barley and the beginning of the calving and lambing season. New projects are underway with fencing and the rejuvenation of the garden area under the steady hands of trades officers and students.
We had the Do it for Dolly Day Ice bucket Challenge (thank you Year 12’s!) which saw everyone getting onto the action in one way or another!
Year 12’s as part of their Animal Production Systems took part in investigating the reasons behind faecal egg counts and why it is a necessary part of husbandry practices with Elders. They looked at interpreting the data taken form samples and the best practices in managing animal health.
Year 12 workshop students demonstrated their cooking abilities via a ‘bush barbecue’ they designed and created. And yes, these do work exceptionally well!
Year 10s this term have been looking at land degradation and an issue that faces all farmers – salinity and how to manage the problem while still maintaining productivity. In early June, students accompanied their teachers on an excursion to investigate the history of a locally owned and operated property of Ashley Reichstein and Megan McDowell. Students were amazed to learn that it took only 20 years for the signs and symptoms of salinity to appear on their farm. Both Ashley and Megan have been on a journey to incorporate different strategies to combat the salt and discussed with students their trials and technology they are using, stressing the need to find a balance without adding to the problem or creating new ones.
Week 7 saw the presentation of a Work Safe and Agricultural Education initiative to bring awareness of safety to the agricultural industry for both students and staff. This presentation highlighted some of the realities of working in our industry and the measures needed to ensure that everyone stays safe.
