A COMBINATION of top genetics, enthusiasm and hard work has allowed some Wagga students earn top awards with stud sheep.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A group of high school students from The Riverina Anglican College (TRAC) have brought home the most successful exhibitor award from the Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair.
The year seven to 12 students represented their school and the school’s stud Boorooma TRAC Poll Dorsets.
Using the genetics of the well-known Armdale Park Stud of Marrar the school’s daughter stud returned home from Holbrook with an array of ribbons and prizes.
TRAC head of agriculture teacher, Trevor Dawson said the school’s sheep stud was established in 2009.
Former student Sam Armstrong – of Armdale Park Stud – helped to provide access to genetics and expertise in establishing the venture.
A team of 18 sheep from the school were entered at the Holbrook event and students have been exhibiting at the show since 2011.
“The school has 30 sheep,” Mr Dawson said.
“We took 18 sheep to the show because we wanted students to be matched up with their own sheep,” he said.
The students were given the responsibility of grooming and preparing the exhibits for the show.
“They had to lead and train them to stand,” he said.
Mr Dawson said a lot of work went into preparing the show team and much of it was completed out of lesson time.
“They put a few good weeks in in the lead up (to the event) to get their sheep ready,” he said.
Preparation started in December and January with a feeding program to prepare the sheep for the show ring.
The students also took a team of sheep to Gundagai Show earlier in the year.
“We are looking at broadening our showing exposure,” he said.
And it wasn’t just about putting the sheep in front of the judges.
He said some of the students participated in junior judging competitions and took the opportunity to learn the ropes from experienced people int he industry.
“They did really well,” he said.
In addition to running the Poll Dorset Stud the school also has poultry and there are plans to consider entering the beef cattle industry too.