On a frosty 4th of June morning we travelled to Streanshalh to look at the equipment and layout of the shearing shed. Richard Dowling gave students the opportunity to see how the shed was set up and the equipment required for operation. They took advantage of a few unbranded wool bales and used their best branding skills to get them branded for transport.

After the shearing shed tour, Richard had a small job he required some help with and we drove down the paddock to where a new pivot irrigator is to be built. Fences have had to be removed and there was one left for us to assist with. Apparently the fence had been constructed 30 years previous with the assistance of students from Campbell Town DHS, and now they were assisting to remove it. “Best fence on the place”, Richard said. Droppers were removed, and staples cut from posts. The wire was then rolled up for use at a later date. Students practiced their manual handling skills and learnt how to use fencing pliers. They also displayed good teamwork skills.

After lunch at the shearing shed we travelled down to Greenhill to met with Jane Taylor. Our aim was to explore a very different shearing shed design, as this shed is raised off the ground and has a raised board. We also had the opportunity to look at the original shed and stables. Quite an amazing old building.

Big thanks goes to Richard Dowling and Jane Taylor for hosting our students as they learnt about the characteristics of shearing sheds.

I would also like to thank Peter Barber and Winton Estate for the donation of a large bale of lucerne hay for the school wethers. We have just started to feed it out and the wethers are really enjoying the excellent quality.

Jill Bennett

Teacher