Hats off to the students involved in the Wether Challenge. Several have taken responsibility of weekend feeding and the Secondary students are busy completing the 5 theory challenges. These involve learning about animal husbandry, wool and meat markets, wool qualities and the competitions scoring. We have just completed the Wool qualities which looked at each sheep and students assessing the micron, dust %, colour and length. This activity worked in well with Georgina Wallace, from Trefusis, dropping by to give us some presentation hints and trim the sheep’s horns.

The students participating directly in the challenge include 5 from secondary and 6 students from Grade 6. It was a pleasure to see them helping each other when Georgina attended to muster and halter the wethers.

The wethers have been regularly weighed to monitor their weight gain and ensure they are in good condition. “Landcruiser”, number 79, is our top weight, coming in at 68kgs last weigh in. We are pleased to have them all in the 60kg range, with number 13 finally making it. Students are hoping they put on some more weight with the big meat price currently in the marketplace.

Big thank you to our weekend feeders and Mrs Georgina Wallace for her assistance and lessons in preparation for the big day.

Special thanks to Sam Lyne who dropped off a generous donation of barley feed for the sheep.

Jill Bennett

Ag Teacher