Winter Edition – No: 42 2013
What is this dude on about?
President: Carl Chirgwin Griffith High School Coolah St, Griffith NSW 2680 02 6962 1711 (w) www.nswaat.org.au 02 6964 1465 (f) ABN Number: 81 639 285 642 [email protected]
Secretary: Jade Smith Dunedoo Central School, Digilah St Dunedoo NSW 2844 02 6375 1489 (w) [email protected] President’s Report 2 NSWAAT turns 40 5 Treasurer: Leanne Sjollema State Conference Report 6 McCarthy Catholic College PO Box 3486 Association Membership 9 West Tamworth NSW 2340 NSWAAT Facebook Group 13 [email protected] Livestock Handlin Workshop 17 Technology & Communication: Life Membership and JA Sutherland Awardees 23 Ian Baird Murrumburrah, NSW State Agriculture Advisory Group (SAAG) Report 29 [email protected] First Place HSC Primary Industries 2012 31 Nikia Waters Australian Curriculum: Technologies 32 Hillston Central School [email protected] Agriculture at Coleambally Central School 33
Georgina Price Primary Industries Activity: Learning about Weather 38 Coleambally Central School NAAE Conference 40 [email protected] Australian National Field Days 44 BAAT Editor: PIEF June Newsletter 46 Graham Quintal Farm Case Studies Project CRC Contacts 52 [email protected] th NSWAAT 40 Birthday 53 Email List Manager: Vermiculture 54 Justin Connors Manilla Central School Free Study Guides 56 [email protected] Coles Junior Landcare Garden Grants 58
SAAG Reps: More Agricultural Scientists needed 60 Graeme Harris (Farrer) Agrifood Career Access Pathways 62 [email protected] Schools in the News 64 Rob Henderson (Tomaree High) [email protected] Upcoming Events 85
Phil Armour (Yass High) Snippets 86 [email protected]
Archivists: Tony Butler (Tumut High) [email protected]
Phil Hurst (Hawkesbury) [email protected]
Nigel Cox (Singleton) [email protected]
www.nswaat.org.au
1 Get on the BAAT bandwagon Being President of this great and unique association of educators is my biggest achievement in education thus far. Why? To work with so many different educators from so many different schools with all sized farms and with all different teaching experiences – it just makes my day every day. So, thank you to the NSWAAT members who attended the BGM at the NSWAAT Conference in Tocal in January and nominated me.
A BIG thank you to the 42 educators, presenters and assistants who attended and experienced the NSWAAT Conference in TOCAL last January. It was great to finally put faces to emails and continue to build our own networks. Some conference photos appear in this BAAT.
Honestly, I do not put myself in the President category, just the ‘helper’ who may know someone who can help you all out. And this is what I really believe our association is all about – so please if you have not renewed your membership or you know of teachers who are not members or you’re at a network day – please take the initiative to promote the benefits of NSWAAT.
A big benefit is just by sending an email to [email protected] and asking for what you need – you will not one but many responses of ‘helpful’ resources. Tip: Get your school to pay for the membership!
I would really like to thank the outgoing NSWAAT Executive of 2010-2013: Graeme Harris from Farrer (President), Laura Tolley from Farrer (Treasurer), Nicolet Westerhof from Elizabeth Macarthur (Secretary), Ian Baird from Murrumburrah (Technology Wiz) and Phil Hurst for his Public Officer/Email List duties.
2 Get on the BAAT bandwagon With one of the youngest executives elected for some time to take NSWAAT forward from 2013- 2015, we all forward to the pleasure in working for you. President Treasurer
Carl Chirgwin Leanne Sjollema Griffith High School McCarthy Catholic College
Secretary Communications & Technology
Jade Smith Nikia Collins Dunedoo Central School Hillston Central School
Communications & Technology Communications & Technology
Georgina Price Ian Baird Coleambally Central School [email protected] 3 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
Email List Manager BAAT Editor
Justin Connors Graham Quintal Manilla Central School [email protected]
Archivist Archivist Archivist
Phil Hurst Nigel Cox Tony Butler Hawkesbury Singleton Tumut
www.nswaat.org.au
4 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 = NSWAAT 40th Birthday
Yes, 2013 = NSWAAT 40th Birthday – the executive is currently seeking options from our members for the end of July/early August for a 40th birthday bash, somewhere in NSW. Look out for an email or by our website www.nswwaat.org.au
The executive of NSWAAT would like to thank all of our members for their feedback on the recent submissions for Agriculture in the Australian Curriculum. For those who did not see the draft version, we have Agriculture in the Technologies sections with a big reference to food and fibre for Year 7 & 8 years, currently as we have in 9 & 10 and there will be no change for senior years. I would like to extend my thanks to Graeme Harris on the work he has done with the National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE) on this.
The NAAE Conference is fast approaching for New Zealand from 12-16th January 2014. All current members of NSWAAT will receive a $50 incentive to attend this conference, with the details included in this BAAT.
Kudos to Stephen Trickett (above) from Billabong High School who retired from 25 years of HSC Agriculture marking in 2012. This is a massive accomplishment for a dedicated educator.
An extended congratulations; to Hayley Mahoney who won the South West Sydney VET Primary Industries’ Teacher of the Year for all her work at Picton High School. We will wait for photos and the citation of your award in the summer edition of BAAT.
On the subject of congratulations, I cannot forget our new JA Sutherland Inductee Ivan Gant and Life Member Robert Guest – citations are in this BAAT.
Please continue to feed our new BAAT Editor Graham Quintal with stories, photos, resources; – anything – so he can compile BAAT. Become a member and join our Facebook page for instant resources.
I’m currently working on retrieving the old HSC online resources for Primary Industries, working with the principals association to manage agriculture assistants in our schools and trying to get all of our professional development courses accredited through the Professional Teachers Council of NSW.
However, please continue to send any emails or give me a ring if you require any assistance.
Carl Chirgwin ([email protected] 0427 455 389) President 2013-2015 Griffith High School
5 Get on the BAAT bandwagon NSW AG TEACHERS STATE CONFERENCE TOCAL, NSW JANUARY 2013 – ‘PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS’
[source: PIEF February/March 2013 Newsletter]
Tocal College was pleased to host the biennial State conference of the NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers at its CB Alexander Campus, Paterson in January 2013.
The Conference was addressed by a number of industry specialists and Professor Jim Pratley who is convening the Review of Agricultural Education in NSW also attended.
Director of Tocal College, Dr. Cameron Archer said, “The NSW Branch of the NAAE once again proved itself to be dynamic and creative with an excellent program of learning support and other activities”.
Perhaps the highlight for some was the livestock handling workshop organised by Sally Bannerman, former agriculture teacher and now specialist officer within NSW Department of Education and Communities on animal welfare. ‘Sally was able to arrange for livestock handling specialist Boyd Holden to present a full day livestock-handling workshop to the teachers’.
It focused on hands-on experience with cattle and modelled good pedagogy. Mr. Holden involved two young stock persons who worked the cattle while he critiqued them. Boyd Holden and Sally were subsequently interviewed by Liz Farquhar of the ABC in Newcastle about the workshop and its benefits. “There is strong interest in animal handling and welfare through the community and it is up to us as agricultural educators to step up and demonstrate best practice,” said Dr. Archer
Good bloke that Boyd Go get em’ Mick Melino
Come here… Boyd Holden pointing us in the right direction 6 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
This bloke is a Miracle Worker!!!
Mud Mapper!!! Mmmm
5 Freedoms in Animal Welfare Speaks for Itself 7 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
Some years of Education from these three blokes…
Philippa myself tonight Fiji?
Tocal HOMESTEAD
Thanks to all at TOCAL from NSWAAT
8 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 25 July 2013
9 Get on the BAAT bandwagon Valid Until Given Name Surname School / Organisation End of: 2013 Organising Committee Australian National Field Days 2014 Teacher of Agriculture Trinity Catholic College 2013 Teacher of Agriculture Bomaderry High School 2013 Teacher of Agriculture Mudgee High School 2013 Teacher of Agriculture Griffith High School 2013 Teacher of Agriculture Young High School 2013 Teacher of Agriculture Wingham High School 2013 Philip ARMOUR Yass High School 2013 Dianna BEALE Tumut High School 2013 Susan BEHAN Denison College-Kelso High Campus 2013 Lynda BUTTSWORTH Jamison High School 2013 Jennifer CAINES Mount Annan Christian College 2014 Dale CHADWICK Gundagai High School 2013 Carl CHIRGWIN Griffith High School 2014 Luke COLLINS Yanco Agricultural High School 2013 Justin CONNORS Manilla Central School 2014 Anita DE LA MOTTE Bomaderry High School 2013 Michelle DOWSETT Blayney High School 2013 Meagan DUNFORD Blayney High School 2014 Nicole DWYER Gloucester High School 2014 Susan EARL Red Bend Catholic College 2013 Belinda EVERINGHAM Deniliquin Christian School 2014 Neil GRIFFITH Irrawang High School 2014 Belinda HAIGH Dubbo School of Distance Education 2013 Lois HARRISON Merriwa Central School 2014 Colin HAWTHORN Red Bend Catholic College 2013 Judith ING Student Teacher 2013 Maqsood IQBAL St Johns Park High School 2013 Grant JACKSON Gosford High School 2013 Karen JOHNSTON James Ruse Agricultural High School 2013 Ken JONES Blayney High School 2014 Ian JUDD St Johns College 2013 Danielle KRIX Hurlstone Agricultural High School 2013 Hayley MAHONEY Picton High School 2013 Diana MARTIN Murwillumbah High School 2014 Julie MASLIN Casual 2013 Ross McGREGOR Hurlstone Agriculture High School 2013 Richard McKAY Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School 2013 Mick MELINO St Johns College 2014 Mufutau Afolabi NASIRU Sarasas Witaed Suksa School 2014 Georgina OAKES Inverell High School 2014 Glen PARTRIDGE Inverell High School 2014 Georgina PRICE Coleambally Central School 2013 Graham QUINTAL Retired 2013 Ramsay RENATO Sydney Distance Education High School 2013 Trevor SEWELL Retired 2013 Leanne SJOLLEMA McCarthy Catholic College 2013 Jade SMITH Dunedoo Central School 2013 Deb SNAITH Macintyre High School 2013 Nikia WATERS Hillston Central School 2013 Emma WEATHERLY Gilgandra High School 2014 Wayne WHALE St Paul's College 2014 Maurice WOODMAN Murray High School 2013 Beth WORTHY Sapphire Coast Anglican College 2013 Jan YOUNG Murrumburrah High School
10 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
From the President’s Desk:
Membership of the Association
^ Membership fees to the NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers are now due:
If you are: not financial or a new graduate or TREASURER your membership status has elapsed
Leanne Sjollema & you require McCarthy Catholic College . Resources. PO Box 3486 West Tamworth NSW 2340 . Aggie contacts. [email protected] . Information/subsidies of Agriculture Teachers conferences. . Assistance in your professional duties.
…t then you need to join the Association to assist in maintaining:
COMPLETE THE - the Association’s strength & support across the “APPLICATION FOR state, MEMBERSHIP” - the place of your subject in the school curriculum, FORM ON THE NEXT - networking throughout the state, PAGE - delivery of a BAAT twice a year, & (Bulletin Association of Agriculture Teachers) SEND TO THE - your say in Agriculture & PI teaching issues, ASSOCIATION’S - access to professional readings. TREASURER WITH YOUR PAYMENT.
NSWAAT WEBSITE
www.nswaat.org.au Please visit the website and catch up on what has been happening. There are lots of photos from the Biennial Conference and many resource links to assist your teaching of Agriculture and Primary Industries.
11 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
NSW Association of
Agriculture Teachers
TITLE: ______NAME: ______
SCHOOL: ______
PHONE: ______FAX: ______
EMAIL: ______
POSTAL ADDRESS: ______
______
______P/C: ______
MEMBERSHIP FEES: * 1 YEAR: ______$60 (2013)
* 2 YEARS: ______$120 (2013-14)
NB: Subscription applies for period from January 2013 for either one or two year period.
# Subscription Required: ______Year(s) # Amount Enclosed: $ ______
Direct Deposit Option: To pay via direct deposit, please post this membership form and use the following details for internet banking transfers. BSB: 082 939 Account Number: 639 757 522 “The NSW Association Reference: Your name and "membership". of Agriculture Teachers is not Please forward completed form with payment to: registered to collect Leanne Sjollema GST” McCarthy Catholic College PO Box 3486 West Tamworth NSW 2340 [email protected]
12 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au NSWAAT Facebook GROUP
This group is a closed group which will soon be only accessed by NSWAAT financial members. Anyone can see our members, but you must be accepted by the administrators to be able to see posts.
For beginners/new to Facebook, to find the NSWAAT group on Facebook you can do the following:
Type Facebook into Google Click on the link Start up a Facebook account. Log into Facebook To find the group type in NSWAAT in the search bar as seen below. DONOT put a space!!
It should show up like the above picture. Once it does click on this. It will then look similar to this
Click on “Join Group” The Administrators (Carl or myself) will then add you to the group. Please note this is for all agriculture-related articles, YouTube, etc. You can upload documents to share also. See the following snippets as a bit of a help guide.
13 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
To write on the “wall” where everyone will see
Type in the space provided on your screen, then click “post”. All members will see this and comment if they want to, some people will click “like” as they want you to know they have seen your post and like what you have said, some people will just read it.
Add a file Create a word doc as normal, save it and attach.
14 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Above is an example of an uploaded file, a comment, 2 likes and seen by 14 people. Add a photo/video You can either upload a single photo or create an album. If you have multiple photos please use an album so it doesn’t take up everyone’s news feed, and the NSWAAT wall. Just click on this, it is just like when you send a picture as an attachment in an email.
Newsfeed – this is where you will see what people “post” Messages – are personal messages between you and your friends or other people, they can also be group messages where numerous people can talk to each other Events – this is an upcoming event that you may have been invited to Photos – pictures, this is to look at your pictures or to upload to your own newsfeed. Remember to click on the group and add pictures from there if you want other NSWAAT to see your picture. NSWAAT – click on this once you are a member and it will take you directly to our group. You can drag these items around to suit yourself. It could under favourites or in groups. If you have trouble finding it type in NSWAAT into search and it will come up!
From left to right Picture of people – if you see a number in red next to this it means you have a friend request, you can choose if you want to add them or not Envelopes picture – this is private, or group, messages, these do not appear on your news feed Picture of the world – this is your notifications, so if someone sends you a message or likes/comments on a post you have posted or commented on. Search tool bar – exactly what it says search for people, place and things - groups also Your name: Click on this to go to your own page – what your friends will see if they click on you Find Friends – click on this to find friends… Home: News feed – to see what other people are posting Padlock – shortcut to privacy settings Cog- Account setting, privacy settings, logout, help. 15 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Tips: I find uploading pictures from my iPhone is easy to do directly from the phone.
You can see this Facebook group on your computer or smart phone. I find inserting YouTube clips, documents or sharing things I have found in my news feed easier when I use my computer.
I hope this helps a little for those that are new to Facebook.
Georgie Price
16 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
NSWAAT Biennial Conference - Livestock Handling Workshop
For those 20 teachers who were lucky enough to participate in the livestock handling workshop at the biennial conference, I think you could say that the day gave them plenty to think about and plenty to practice.
Livestock handling is becoming increasingly important in Australia, not just for pure animal welfare reasons but because markets, through quality assurance schemes, will demand that animals are handled by stockpeople with a good attitude and the correct skills. This will include all handling right through from the paddock to the killing floor and involve farm workers, transporters, saleyard workers, contract stockpersons and abattoir workers.
Hence it is important that teachers of agriculture and Primary Industries not only have the right attitude but have the skills to demonstrate best practice to the students who can then develop similar attitudes and skills.
Through the Animals in Schools program I was able to fund the livestock handling workshop at the biennial conference. I believe the strength of the day was not just the power of a fantastic teacher but the demonstration of good pedagogy through the use of two young stockpeople who had undergone similar training.
Boyd Holden is a professional livestock management consultant who has worked throughout Australia, the Middle East and Asia, developing programs to train a range of workers in livestock handling. He has worked for Meat and Livestock Australia, LiveCorp and the National Meat Industry Training Advisory Council.
During November 2012, I hired Boyd to help me produce a series of video clips to be made available to teachers through the Animals in Schools website. The outcome of this week of filming will be made available later in 2013 and is designed to illustrate the approved activities that are central to compliance with the Animal Research Act.
Working with Boyd has been quite inspirational and has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge of livestock handling, reinforcing the need to think about what we want animals to do from their perspective. Aaron, Boyd and Hannah
As Boyd would say, ‘You cannot make an animal go where it does not want to go, what you can do is pressure the animal to want to go there’.
Boyd bases much of his work on that of Temple Grandin and Bud Williams and you can see much of their work on the web.
The workshop commenced with a theory session in which Boyd went through the legislative framework that surrounds the use of livestock, how understanding behavioural and physical characteristics of livestock enhance our management of them and we then presented video footage of livestock handling from mustering through to yard and race work.
17 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
After lunch we moved to the cattle yards and Boyd demonstrated the practice of moving cattle through the yards and race. He paired teachers up and gave them tasks to do, practising what he had just demonstrated to them.
Boyd and Jade Smith dance Boyd and Tony Butler in discussion
For the final session of the day we moved to the indoor arena where we had set up an obstacle course. Hannah and Aaron gave a demonstration of using the inverted T principle to move a mob of cattle around the arena, through gateways, over logs and eventually park them in the centre of the arena. The time taken to move the cattle through the course was recorded.
Working in pairs, the teachers then all completed the course with different groups of cattle. A bit of healthy competition then got going to see who could set the shortest time for the course. Hannah and Aaron lent a hand when needed and helped some groups manage their mob.
Crossing the Bridge Parking the Cattle
Finally the teachers demanded that Boyd and I had a go. I agreed but unbeknown to us, Hannah and Aaron mixed up the mob, deliberately selecting those animals that had been noted as less compliant. But thanks to Boyd’s skills and leadership, we managed to move our specially selected mob around the course in the fastest time of the day. And I say in faster time than Hannah and Aaron had done themselves. We did have the master and inventor of the task on the job!
Hopefully work will be completed on the new cattle guidelines soon, and the video footage will be available by the middle of the year.
Sally Bannerman Animal Welfare in Schools Advisor
18 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au The Top 4 Principles of Livestock Communication
1. Position: where are you in relation to the EYE Are you in front of the eye? Stop position, very confrontational (For cattle very dangerous) Are you directly behind the animal, if so they can not see you, you can not influence them, they will get nervous, and turn around (very dangerous position for cattle: kicking, turning around) Are you on the side of the animal? If they can see you, then you can influence them to where you want to go. ALWAYS WORK ANIMALS ON THE SIDE.
2. Pressure: whatever is applied must be released Walk backwards to release pressure Stop waving plastic bag etc. Move towards the animal and then move away Too many people can increase pressure, just being their (Wild/excitable animals)
3. Movement: increase or decrease your body movement Sticks and flags are an extension of your body not a tool to hit animals with Movement of your body, waving jumping will move animals if you are in the correct position Flags, sticks with plastic can be used to increase movement of animals, they have to see them For race work, move your body over the top of the race going in the opposite direction of the sheep and they will go forward
4. Communication: to the cattle and to your work mates Is it clear to the livestock what you want them to do Are you sending the right message to the animal You cannot communicate to an animal that is fearful of you. You have to reduce the flight zone first e.g. Wild Cattle Do your workmates understand what to do & what is going on
WORK AS A TEAM - IS THE MESSAGE CLEAR?
19 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Concepts for Handling Livestock
The hardest part of livestock movement is getting started “The first five to go” You cannot make an animal go where it does not want to go What you can do is pressure the animal to want to go there “A lack of alternatives clears the mind” When moving livestock remember the following:
1. Work on the Side were they can see you 2. Don’t stand directly behind for more than 5 seconds 3. Remember the flight zone; too much pressure is bad, walk backwards 4. Livestock (sheep & cattle) curve around us: gate ways, entry into loading ramp, etc. 5. You can move livestock WITHOUT NOISE & WITHOUT HITTING
Summary of Important Concepts
Be aware of your obligations with respect to OIE Animal Welfare Standards Improving Animal Welfare will have commercial benefits for both the employee and employer Animals like their distance from us = FLIGHT ZONE Avoid entering the FLIGHT ZONE and creating aggressive reactions Sheep and cattle are herding and prey animals The most important member of the mob is the LEADER. They create movement and give direction Never apply so much pressure that you create an isolated animal. They become dangerous and difficult to control Position – always work on the side of an animal in relation to its eyes Whatever pressure is applied MUST always be released You cannot make an animal go where it does not want to Do NOT apply pressure to an animal that has NOWHERE to go Make sure you are communicating clearly with the animal and your work mates.
20 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Best Practice
Late in 2012 I hired a film crew, a professional livestock handler (Boyd Holden), found myself 300 sheep, 100 Angus heifers and suitable venue with yards and spent a week filming best practice livestock handling of sheep and cattle.
The purpose behind this was to create footage that I could use in the revision of the animal welfare guidelines. Revising the guidelines is a huge task and although it is making good progress it will probably not be complete until late this year or early next year. But having just completed the footage and being very excited and pleased with the results I have decided to make it available to you all.
I have had all the footage put on YouTube and hope that you will enjoy using it. It has been designed to enhance the guidelines but can be used on its own, both for your own needs and with students.
I would love to hear what you think of it and hope you can use it in your teaching programs. Several other RTOs have expressed an interest in it and are keen to use it but I wanted you all to have the opportunity to see and use it before anyone else. I don’t think that there is anything else quite like it widely available.
There are 15 videos, 13 of them are quite short (approx. 1-2 minutes). Two of them, Best practice cattle handling and Best practice sheep handling are 9 and 7 minutes respectively.
They can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w66BbIzEtt0&list=PL4OaBCdO34bBi3AxpqZLtIG-0qVZSnf8s
Enjoy Sally
Animal Welfare in Schools
New Contact Details
As part of the recent departmental restructure, Sally’s office has moved from Ryde to Darlinghurst. Her new contact details are:
Sally Bannerman Animal Welfare in Schools Advisor Secondary Curriculum Learning and Leadership Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities Level 3, 1 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Tel: 02 9244 5520 Mob: 0417 473 280 [email protected] www.schools.nsw.edu.au/animalsinschools
21 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Tocal Agricultural Centre “Tocal” Paterson NSW 2421
Tocal College PRACTICAL COURSES IN AGRICULTURE & HORSE HUSBANDRY Full accommodation facilities Full time courses in: Cert III in Agriculture, Cert IV in Agriculture and Cert III in Horse Husbandry, For Year 10, 11 and 12 students. Open Days - 2013
Prospective Students and their families are invited to visit the College during the School holidays.
Dates: Friday, 27th September and 4th October
Morning Tea 10.00 am Talk on courses and employment opportunities 10.30 am Lunch available ($10.00) - Please Book 12.00 noon Tour of College Farms 1.00 pm Conclusion 2.30 - 3.00 pm
Enquiries: Phone 1800 025520 - Lunch Bookings - Course Brochures - General Information
Website: www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/
Email: [email protected]
22 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Robert J Guest – NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers Life Member Professional Citation, 2013
Robert J Guest
Robert (Bob) J Guest made a significant impact on agricultural education in NSW during his teaching career.
He was the inaugural Head Teacher of Agriculture at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School until his retirement after over three decades of service.
During this time he served as a HSC Marker and Examiner for the Board of Studies, was involved in syllabus development with the board for both the stage 5 and 6 syllabi in Agriculture.
Bob also played an instrumental role in the development of Vocational Education in Australia and NSW through his involvement in the Primary Industries Training Advisory Board and on many other bodies which oversaw the development of nationally accredited competency based training.
He has had a significant involvement in the Angus Cattle breed in Australia through his development of the Farrer Angus Stud and later work with Angus Australia and genetic improvement businesses.
Many of Robert’s past students are now leaders in the field of Agriculture and so his teaching has had national and international impacts.
23 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Bob provided many years of service to the NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers and was active in the revitalising of the organisation in the mid 1970’s.
Bob was seen as a guru and a go‐to person due to his extensive knowledge of the subject, his understanding of the politics of education and network of agriculture teachers.
Robert J Guest has always been passionate about Agriculture and the importance of training students to meet the challenges of the future.
The NSWAAT acknowledges and thanks Robert (Bob) Guest for his involvement and commitment through the conferring Life Membership of the Association.
NSW AAT 2010‐2013 Committee
President: Graeme Harris
Secretary: Nicolet Westerhof
Treasurer: Laura Tolley
Technology & Communications: Ian Baird
BAAT Editors: Carl Chirgwin, Jade Smith & Justin Connors
24 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Ivan Gant – NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers J.A Sutherland Professional Chronicle, 2013
Agriculture became a part of Ivan’s life in 1973 after starting at Hawkesbury Agriculture College; before that, spare time was spent surfing and building with the family company.
Canowindra High School was first stop after college in 1978, with junior and senior Agriculture and Science classes. By early 1979 Linda (wife) had headed to South America and Ivan followed after resigning at the end of the year.
The next career path for both was a Quarter Horse ranch and being ski workers at Sisters, Oregon. Ivan completed Salmon Ski Mechanic qualifications and became Hoodo’s ski mechanic. In late January the X‐ Country Ski Coordinator/Instructor had left, which provided the opportunity to once more teach (X‐country skiing and set and maintain trails). The Operating Farm Equipment skills were easily transferable to Snow Groomers and Skidoos. After 7 months in the snow and horse industry; the Datsun was sold and bicycles become the travel mode through England and Europe.
By 1981 Ivan was back working as a Farm Overseer at Cargo, doing the odd bit of casual teaching and Linda had a real job back in the food industry, spending a lot of time interstate and overseas. In late 1981 they purchased a small farm at Merriwa. In 1982 Ivan moved back into Agriculture and Science teaching at Holy Cross College (HCC), Ryde. He moved onto the Agriculture Syllabus Committee as the Catholic representative in 1983 as discussions were starting about “Systems Agriculture”. These discussions were soon in place and the syllabus writing sub‐committee (Lisle Brown, Rod Francis, Ivan Gant and Richard Bawden) produced a new syllabus. A new HSC exam was needed in this change process; Rod became head of the Exam Committee with Lisle, Ivan and a Sydney university representative.
25 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
There was no ruling on teaching year 12 classes at this time; Lisle and Ivan remained on the committee until 1986 when the year 12 rule was implemented by BOS.
Agriculture grew from a small cohort in 1982 at HCC to over 70 senior students by 1984; as did the school’s outdoor recreation and surfing program.
Merriwa Central had an Agriculture Teaching position come up in 1985 and Ivan moved back to DET. Merriwa Central became home base for the period 1985 – 2007. Linda once more gave up her great job and moved into the farm shed. Before making another move to Glenalvon, Cassilis, this had bigger hills and more space to run the merino and cattle enterprises.
During his time at Merriwa Central; Ivan:
- Taught Science (Biology, Physics and Earth Sciences), junior and senior Agriculture, Computing, Primary Industries and Information Technology.
- Developed and looked after the school computer network and the school farm.
- Set up a School Based Traineeship and Apprenticeship program in 2000 at the school that changed the school’s student transition and retention.
- Became VET Head Teacher in 2004
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- Extra‐Curricular activities include:
o School Cattle Preparation and Showing Team; students would prepare 8‐10 cattle annually to show at Prime Cattle Hoof and Hook Competitions.
o Helping write, organise and run WorldSkills local, regional and national competitions.
- Numerous Board of Studies Committees – HSC Agriculture (Chair), Stage 4/5 Agriculture, Mandatory Technology, Internet review committee.
- Project managed and helped write the Stage 6 Agriculture Syllabus for the New HSC.
- In 2004‐2006, part‐time Project Managed the Upper Hunter Learning Cooperative. This program piloted Video Conferencing and other Distance Ed IT based technologies for implementation into schools.
- NSW Premiers Scholarship recipient in 2005, for Rural and Remote Learning. Spending 12 weeks working at Fraser Valley Distance Education School in BC Canada. This experience not only allowed a lot of skiing and a winter family holiday in Canada with the US tacked onto the end, but it helped Ivan with the joint writing of a position paper for the NSW Principals Council on remote delivery technologies for NSW Schools with Christine Mason, Principal Dubbo School of Distance Education.
In 2007 Ivan moved out of teaching into a regional VET position in the Hunter Central Coast Region. He has managed to maintain some of his Agricultural Interests especially in Primary Industries.
Ivan has being an integral organiser of many NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers Conferences and has assisted with organising this one at TOCAL in 2013.
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Ivan has always respected the benefits that other educators can give to him and is always willing to pass on resources, skills and contacts to not only emerging but experienced teachers.
In 2013 Ivan will move into the position of Training Services Manager in Singleton with State Training Services part of DEC.
It is with many congratulations that Ivan Gant is now recognised as a J.A Sutherland Awardee of the NSW Association of Agriculture Teachers at the TOCAL Conference in 2013.
NSW AAT 2010‐2013 Committee President: Graeme Harris Secretary: Nicolet Westerhof Treasurer: Laura Tolley Technology & Communications: Ian Baird BAAT Editors: Carl Chirgwin, Jade Smith & Justin Connors Public Officer: Phil Hurst
Admiration comes to mind
28 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au State Agricultural Advisory Group (SAAG)
Context The State Agricultural Advisory Group was established in 1998 by the then Department of Education’s Directors of School Financial Support and Properties.
The current role of the SAAG is to give assistance and advice to the DEC’s Asset Management Directorate and Finance Directorate regarding those state comprehensive high schools where Agriculture and Primary Industries are taught.
Current committee
NSWAAT Head Teacher Craig O’Brien Permanent representative [email protected] Moss Vale HS Secretary NSWAAT Teacher Dave Randall Permanent representative [email protected] Richmond HS Survey coordinator Head Teacher NSWAAT Robert Henderson [email protected] Tomaree HS Elected representative Head Teacher NSWAAT Graeme Harris [email protected] Farrer Ag HS Elected representative Phil Armour Yass HS NSW DEC representative [email protected] Secondary Principals’ Council Principal Jenni Wilkins representative. [email protected] Birrong Girls HS Chairperson
This group meets in Sydney in Term 4 each year and is responsible for assisting the DEC’s Finance and Properties directorates with analysing the information from the annual survey sent to all NSW principals in Term 3. The group maintains records on the tractor replacement program and on determining school needs on a priority basis. From time to time its members are contacts for agriculture teachers and school principals in regard to agriculture in schools.
Annual Agriculture Grants School Survey Schools are surveyed annually in Term 3 to enable information to be gathered on the number of students studying Agriculture or the Agricultural Context in the Board of Studies Design and Technology Junior Syllabus.
The survey response submitted by the Principal is used to calculate the school’s agricultural grant entitlement for the next year. It is the role of the SAAG to analyse the surveys and then provide advice regarding funding and equipment maintenance.
The funding arrangements for the teaching and learning of Agriculture are based on:
the equitable distribution of funds based on a formula related to student numbers in agriculture classes, the availability of funds for the on-going maintenance of equipment items used in the teaching and learning of agriculture, especially those where safety is a concern (e.g. tractors, rotary hoes). From 2003 the survey has also captured information regarding tractors used for teaching and learning for the DEC’s tractor replacement program.
29 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Tractor Replacement Program
The DEC Teaching and Learning Tractor Replacement Program commenced in 2003, with the first contract supplied by John Deere and the current contract supplied by Australian Hammer Supplies (Kubota tractors) from 2009. At present it is understood that all DEC Teaching and Learning tractors have been updated since 2003 with the enhanced safety features (defined by a risk assessment to ensure compliance with WorkCover and WHS legislative requirements).
The contract with Australian Hammer Supplies has enabled more than 130 schools teaching Agriculture and Primary Industries, with a non-compliant tractor and purchased prior to 1993, to receive some funding towards the purchase of a new replacement and compliant tractor from the current contract: Agriculture Tractor Contract: DETPD0904 Use of this contract is mandated in DN/09/00341 by the Department and schools and must not purchase tractors from any other supplier.
Included in the contract, is the provision of a two year maintenance agreement. This agreement covers all materials associated with normal servicing, but does not cover accidental or deliberate damage that may be caused to the tractor. The contract provides four six-monthly services, with the last one occurring two years after the date of purchase. These services will be carried out by Australian Hammer Supplies on the school site. Servicing reports are made available on-line to Principals and can be accessed through AMS on the Web. Asset Management Directorate wishes to stress that once the supply maintenance agreement has expired, schools must continue with maintenance regimes to keep tractors fully functional and safe to use.
Thank you to 3 Long-Serving Members of the SAAG Peter Crick, as the NSW Secondary Principals Council Representative, was appointed the SAAG’s first Chair in 1998 and served on the group until his retirement from Muswellbrook High School in 2011. His leadership and commitment ensured that available funding for Agriculture was distributed equitably to eligible schools throughout NSW.
Peter Jones, Head Teacher Science Windsor High School and Phil Hurst, Agriculture teacher Hawkesbury High School, both served as NSWAAT representatives on the SAAG from the group’s inception in 1998 until their retirement at the end of 2012. Their contributions to teaching of Agriculture across NSW as Secretary and Survey Coordinators of the SAAG were outstanding. Peter and Phil ensured that: surveys were distributed, submitted and analysed efficiently; liaison with the DEC’s Directorate personnel was arranged; and, funding and tractor replacements were accurately recorded. Their dedication and diligence ensured that eligible schools were resourced fairly and in a timely manner over many years. Agriculture teachers across NSW owe a huge debt of gratitude to Peter and Phil for their efforts.
On behalf of the current members of the SAAG and teachers of Agriculture in NSW, I wish to acknowledge and thank Peter, Phil and Peter very sincerely for their dedication and commitment to the profession.
Jenni Wilkins Principal Birrong Girls High School. SAAG Chairperson 2013
30 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
First Place in Primary Industries - CAITLIN MYORS
Calrossy student, Caitlin Myors was absolutely overjoyed and more than a little surprised when she received news that she topped the State in HSC Primary Industries 2012. A combination of determination, superior work ethic, natural ability and passion for agricultural studies was the winning formulae for Caitlin who spent many extra hours with her teachers and independently completing any and all past HSC papers in preparation for her final examinations. Equally impressive is that Caitlin also scored third place overall in HSC Agriculture.
It was a huge challenge for Caitlin to attend Boarding School at Calrossy Anglican School , Years 7-12 after being home schooled on her family’s remote property, Ourimba, Wanaaring, 200km North-west of Bourke. With a natural affinity and passion for farm life, Caitlin quickly became involved in the Calrossy Cattle Team where she competed successfully in junior judging and parader competitions. Caitlin enthusiastically assisted with the organisation of cattle show events and associated promotional displays throughout her junior years at school while seizing opportunities to perform successfully in agricultural events such as Interschool Meat Judging, Property Planning, Low Stress Stock Handling and judging of sheep, fleeces and beef cattle.
Caitlin worked tirelessly in Year 11 and 12 to achieve her absolute best in all her subjects coming 3rd in the State in Agriculture also and obtaining the highest ATAR amongst her Year 12 cohort at Calrossy. It was not surprising her favourite subjects in her senior years at school were Primary Industries, Agriculture and Biology.
Caitlin has returned home to resume work alongside her Mum and Dad managing her beloved Ourimba. She was certainly a local celebrity in this remote part of NSW when the HSC results were released. Caitlin occasionally visits the “big smoke” of Tamworth looking happy and healthy, enjoying her rural lifestyle and contributing some of her more recently acquired knowledge to the decision making processes on her family’s extensive beef cattle property.
A report on First Place in HSC Agriculture 2012, Christine Tan from Pymble Ladies College, will appear in a future edition of BAAT.
31 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Australian Curriculum: Technologies
What do NSW Public School TAS teachers need to know?
There are a number of misconceptions about the Australian Curriculum: Technologies in NSW. We have developed a video presentation for teachers to provide an update on the development process, inform the results of our consultation process and clarify any misconceptions.
The presentation is approximately 20 minutes in length and can be viewed by individuals or used by schools, networks or faculties as a form of professional learning.
The presentation provides: clarification of the roles of ACARA and NSW Board of Studies an explanation of the process of curriculum development nationally and in NSW a timeline for the process an overview of the structure and organisation of the Draft Australian Curriculum: Technologies feedback on the Draft Australian Curriculum: Technologies received from teachers through our public consultation ideas for professional learning around the Australian Curriculum for TAS teachers.
We expect to see another version of the Draft Australian Curriculum: Technologies in July and anticipate the final curriculum to be released in December 2013. It is important we continue to provide feedback to strengthen the curriculum for NSW students.
Please view the presentation and share with your networks. Let us know if you find the video useful – your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Sandra McKee TAS Advisor Secondary Education Learning and Leadership Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities T: (02) 9266 8514 F: (02) 9266 8918 Email: [email protected] Adobe connect: https://connect.schools.nsw.edu.au/tas_technologies/
32 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Coleambally Central School
I have been at Coleambally Central School since 2005, with a couple of years off to have babies. The students at CCS are fantastic and make my job enjoyable.
Overview Coleambally Central School is located in between Jerilderie and Griffith. There are approx. 254 students from K-12. It is an irrigation area with crops such as rice, cotton, wheat, oats, soy beans, maize and much more. A lot of farmers are only cropping. Some have merinos, Dorpers and Angus cattle. There are a few major merino studs around the area such as Pooginook.
The Ag plot area was not set up with a brick storage shed, yards and other facilities. The school was opened in 1967.
Curriculum Stage 6 Agriculture is completed as a compressed course so 3 subjects one year and 3 the next. Students start their prelim in Week 6 Term 4 and finish their HSC course by the end of Term 3. They then sit their HSC exam in the exam period. I am looking into retraining in PI so that can be an option for every second year when Agriculture doesn’t run.
Stage 5 – Agricultural technology is run as one class 9/10 combined.
Stage 4 – Technology (mandatory). Year 7, they complete plants for one term. Year 8 they complete a unit on animals for a term.
Animals at CCS We are a White Dorper Stud. I am originally a merino girl so this was a hard decision to go with White Dorpers, but one that had to be made. Having Dorpers has made life much easier at school, since we don’t have to crutch or shear. The other massive bonus is no flystrike. The only negatives I have found, which will be different for each school is that we don’t have hard rocky ground so we are constantly trimming their hooves. We also had an issue with the lambs going under the fences, but thanks to a couple of year 12 students we have been re-fencing.
We are progressing towards having only Buff Orpingtons for our chook breed. I have a very enthusiastic ex head teacher science/ag still living in Coleambally who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about chook breeds. He donated the Buffs and provides assistance when needed.
Crops We only have a spreader to plant crops, this is OK but doesn’t reflect real farming. Over the years we have grown lucerne, oats, wheat, forage brassica, and forage sorghum. We have conducted trials with cotton, rice and tomatoes.
We have a shade house on an automatic timer to help raise seedlings and complete trials. 8 raised garden beds are used to grow vegetables for Stage 5 agriculture.
33 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
The main reason you are all reading at bout CCS is that Carl Chirgwin attended CCS. He has seen the changes I have made over the years to improve and develop the school farm into a great learning environment for my students. When I first arrived the farm was lacking a bit of TLC and was lacking a lot of essential things to make teaching and learning easier, such as a shed, sheep yards, and other vital equipment.
I have been lucky enough to have had support from a number of people in the community to make things happen. Below is an indication on how this has all come about:
Grants Shed – $17,500. Bendigo Community bank, with the P&C contributing approx. $5000. Electric Fence – $1600 approx. Bendigo Community bank. Portable sheep Yards – $4500 approx. Bendigo Community Bank. Raised Veggie Boxes – $3500 Bendigo Community Bank – this includes the Landcare veggie boxes for the primary.
Donations & support have been received from the following people/families Locals have helped with the following goods and service through donation Transporting and selling the school’s sheep, use of shearing shed and yards at times, use of sire, shearing, drench and vaccination, hay, straw, seed packets, pots. I am very lucky to have the ongoing support of two ex Ag/Science teachers, they both help in different ways which I really appreciate.
Businesses/organisations Uardry Merino Stud – donation of 10 merino ewes in 2005 MLA Rural – fertiliser , seed and agronomy advice. Coleambally Rumblers – use of their paddock. P&C – purchased class set of textbooks, for stage 5 Agriculture.
Before and Now photos
Chook yards
The chook yards were gutted and started fresh, the old buildings were unsafe for my students. My FA made the DPI’s “Chicken Penthouse” to replace the old buildings. I highly recommend this design as it works well. We added wheels to ours so it can be moved around the yard. 34 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Old storage shed and New.
When I first came there was an old garden shed that was the only closed storage shed. There was, and still is, an open shed that housed the old tractor and the implements. People laughed at me when I said I would have a new shed by next year. Luckily with the support of the Bendigo Community bank they donated $17,500 through a grant application, and the P&C donated $5000 to put up a new shed.
Unused land, Year 8 Technology Landscape Design class designed an Agricultural history garden, incorporating some old machinery which has been brought back to life with a fresh paint job.
Shade house, automatic watering – used for raising seedlings, trials, and cuttings. My FA made this by putting star pickets in then bending thick polypipe up and over into the other star picket. It is a very quick and easy design.
35 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Portable sheep yards, it’s great to have portable yards since there weren’t established yards. The portable yards are easily moved around to suit us and what we are doing. They have made lessons easy and have given the students more to do and think about. This photo was taken when the yards were brand new, and in drought!
The raised gardens have made a huge difference to our vegetable unit. The students are much happier weeding at waist level, the sheep also tidy up around the boxes, as they are out in the paddock. There is a sprinkler which is automated which has also guaranteed success of produce.
9/10 Ag Veggies
Tomato and cotton trials – stage 6 Ag.
36 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Buff Orpingtons . Chickens are either incubated at school or at the ex Ag teachers house, we are building up our buff Orpington numbers at the moment, so we can start selling them.
One of 7 new Dorper stud lambs Mitchy D, stud ram White Dorpers.
The ewes are very old, luckily we have 6/7 females born this year to replace the old girls.
Thanks to Carl Chirgwin of Griffith High school for the donation of an old sheep weighing crate.
I haven’t finished at CCS yet, with where I want it to be. I am currently still fencing some boundaries to allow the sheep more paddocks to graze from. I am going to start an aquaculture setup now that I have seen Carls (I am going to adopt that idea), and finally I will be applying for irrigation grants as our current watering system isn’t efficient and is very time consuming.
I highly recommend applying for Bendigo Community Bank grants if you have a Bendigo bank in your town.
Georgie Price Agriculture Teacher. Coleambally Central School
37 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Primary Industries Topic- Learning about the Weather
from Graham Wilson – Mudgee High School
The following tasks are based on information from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
Use http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/ and the glossary (http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/glossary/) to define the following terms:
Climate Weather Apparent temperature (wind chill) Relative Humidity Precipitation Drought ENSO SOI Wind shear
Use http://www.bom.gov.au/info/thermal_stress/ to answer these questions
List the 4 factors that determine thermal stress Explain how these factors can increase heat stress Explain how these factors can increase the risk of hypothermia Explain why Thermal stress indices should be used by farmers to protect livestock and workers. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the charts Assuming a (shade) temperature of 28C and 60% RH, what is the Apparent Temperature? Assuming an air temperature of 10C and wind speed of 14km/h, what is the Apparent Temperature? Describe the effect of increasing humidity on Heat stress Describe the effect of increasing wind speed on cold stress The BoM states “Under Australian conditions the effect of full sun produces a maximum increase in the AT of about 8°C when the sun is at its highest elevation in the sky.” Explain the significance of this to people working outside in summer. You have recently shorn ewes with young lambs at foot. The daytime temperature is expected to be 10°C with a forecast of showers and wind gusts to 28km/h. Outline the risk to livestock and the management you should undertake.
38 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au The BoM offers a 7-day forecast (http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/map7day.shtml). Use the link then click on various towns to see the prediction Outline some uses for this prediction by graziers and farmers (for planting, harvesting or cutting hay) at various times in the year. Eldersweather (http://www.eldersweather.com.au/nsw/central-tablelands/mudgee) presents data for the following 7 days also. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of this site when compared to the BoM site listed above. Wunderground (http://www.wunderground.com/modelmaps/maps.asp?model=GFS&domain=AU) has a large service but this site is specific to rainfall prediction. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of this site when compared to the 2 sites listed above. http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/glossary/soid.htm Describe how the SOI is calculated Describe the effects of El Nino and La Nina The SOI is a predictive tool. It is used to forecast rainfall (http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/rain_ahead.shtml) and temperature (http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temps_ahead.shtml). Explain how this can be used for the management of farming practises.
The BoM releases warnings for: floods (http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/climate/levelthree/c20thc/flood.htm) storms (http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/climate/levelthree/c20thc/storm.htm) graziers alert (http://www.bom.gov.au/info/weatherkit/section3/graz.shtml) Fire (http://reg.bom.gov.au/weather-services/bushfire/index.shtml) Temperature (http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/climate/levelthree/c20thc/temp.htm) strong winds (http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/wind/index.jsp) Briefly explain how these warnings can be useful to farmers.
Use a search engine to describe the use of the following instruments. Include a picture with your description in a table similar to the one below. Instrument Purpose Picture Wet and dry bulb thermometer Hygrometer Anemometer Barometer Evaporation pan Wind vane Rain gauge Weather balloon Stevenson screen Pyranometer Campbell Stokes Recorder
39 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Full registration includes all of the following: Airport transfers All meals and accommodation (including conference dinner) Conference material and bag Field trips Social occasions
To find out more about the conference programme and the post conference tour go to www.telford.ac.nz/naae
Registrar: Mick Melino P 04 3232 0558 E [email protected]
Queries regarding curriculum matters or conference details: Andrew Thompson Andrew Cosby (Victoria) Mandy Lindsay (Queensland) Telford – a Division of Lincoln University E [email protected] E [email protected] PO Box 6 Balclutha 9240 Carl Chirgwin (New South Wales) Alysia Kepert (West Australia) New Zealand E [email protected] E [email protected] P +64 3 419 0300 extn 844 E [email protected] Phil Roberts (South Australia) E [email protected]
40 Get on the BAAT bandwagon 2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Registration Form Please use a separate form for each person (photocopy acceptable) Additional copies can be downloaded from www.telford.ac.nz/naae Important: Read all the information before completing the form. Amounts are in Australian dollars and include GST
First Name: Family Name:
Name on Badge:
School Name:
Postal Address:
Email Address:
Telephone: Mobile:
Special requirements Dietary:
Medical:
Contact in the event of Name: an emergency
Telephone: Mobile:
Full Registration $500.00 AUD early bird by 18 October 2013
$550.00 AUD before 1 December 2013 (no registrations can be accepted after this date). Post conference Tour Registration $550.00 AUD by 18 October 2013 (no registrations can be accepted after this date).
Total Paid
Arrival flight #: Arrival time:
Airport transfers
(if known) Departure flight #: Departure time
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the area, see the Bring your Families section of www.telford.ac.nz/naae
Partners and families Contact name: accommodation
Accommodation:
Telephone:
Conference information available from www.telford.ac.nz/naae
Cheque payable to: N.A.A.E Postal Address: Attention Mick Melino (Treasurer), St Johns College, P.O. Box 6, N.S.W. 2480 OR Direct Deposit: BSB 063 845 Account number 10026062 Please identify the school or organisation you are connected with when transferring funds. Paid by cheque BSB Registration: Post or email registration to Mick Melino.
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NAAE Conference Programme Sunday 12 January – Thursday 16 January 2014
Sunday 12 January Monday 13 January Tuesday 14 January Wednesday 15 January Thursday 16 January
7.00am–8.30am Breakfast (Dining Room) Breakfast (Dining Room) Breakfast (Dining Room) Breakfast (Dining Room) Breakfast (Dining Room) 8.30am–10.00am Keynote speaker: Quality agriculture ACARA updates and developments Workshop on implementation of NAAE AGM and the importance of having a vibrant national curriculum. • Election of office bearers economic and a well-trained and Breakout into States or • Next conference. educated workforce. New Zealand regions. 10.00am–10.30am Morning tea Morning tea Morning tea Morning tea 10.30am–12.00noon Demonstration of remote learning 10.30am ACARA Forum School and community partnerships Quality teaching and KPI technologies that are used to deliver 11.00am New Zealand recruitment and How to assist schools in agriculture to rural schools in New retention of students into agricultural developing these partnerships. Zealand. programmes and careers. Airport transfers to Telford campus 11.30am PIEF – Australian recruitment commencing 10.00am and retention of students into agricultural programmes and careers. 12.00noon–1.00pm Lunch (Dining Room) Lunch (Dining Room) Lunch (Dining Room) Lunch (Dining Room) 1.00pm–2.30pm Practical sessions (choose one): Field Trips away from Telford Practical sessions (choose one): • Sheep farming (choose one): • ATVs • Deer farming • Tractors • Dairy farming • Fonterra Edendale (Milk processing • Chainsaws • Horticulture activity. factory) • Fencing • Large animals • Finegand freezing works • Horticultural activity. 2.30pm–3.00pm Afternoon tea Afternoon tea • Invermay agricultural research Afternoon tea station (subject to staff availability) Airport transfers available, if 3.00pm–5.00pm Airport transfers to Telford campus Practical sessions (choose one): Practical sessions (choose one): required • Sheep farming • Horticulture nursery Cool climate • ATVs • Horticultural activity. Registration desk open • Deer farming crops. • Chainsaws • Large animals or • Dairy farming • Fencing • Tractors • Horticulture activity. Join the post conference tour
5.00pm–5.30pm Free time Free time Free time Free time
5.30pm–6.00pm Whakatau Dinner Dinner Free time 6.00pm–7.00pm Dinner Happy hour Happy hour Conference dinner 6.00pm-10.00pm 7.00pm–9.00pm Happy hour Evening activity Evening activity River Ridge Retreat Drinks and nibbles
NAAE Post Conference Tour
Thursday 16 January – Wednesday 22 January 2014
Thursday 16 January Friday 17 January Saturday 18 January Sunday 19 January Monday 20 January Tuesday 21 January Wednesday 22 January
Breakfast provided Breakfast provided Breakfast provided Breakfast provided Breakfast provided Breakfast provided Own lunch 8.00am Free day in Franz Josef 8.00am 9.00am – 10.00am Depart for home Depart Queenstown OR Depart Franz Josef Meet in Lecture Theatre. Airport transfers will be 10.00am View a dairy farm on the Discussions on Lincoln departing 8.30am arriving Winery visit A bus will leave for the West Coast University and its at airport approximately 10.00am Franz Josef walk and view contribution to quality 9.30am. Depart from winery the glacier in agriculture. Topics will Two hours return relate to teaching, research and extension.
10.00am–10.30am Morning tea 11.30am – 12.30pm 10.30am–12.00 noon Stop at Blue Pools Tour of Lincoln University 30 minute walk and campus looking at photographic opportunity teaching and research facilities.
Own lunch 12.00 noon 12.00noon–1.00pm Free day in Queenstown Kumara Junction Own lunch Lunch provided 1.00pm–5.00pm 1.00pm Free afternoon and 1.00pm 1.00pm–4.00pm Depart Telford and drive Arrive at Pleasant Point evening View Points Otira Gorge Visit farms and research to Queenstown for lunch (provided (photographic opportunity) activities relevant 3-4 hours to Agriculture and 2.30pm–3.30pm Horticulture, surrounding View Sheep/Beef property Lincoln University 3.15–4.30pm on Canterbury Plains Arrive Lake Mathieson (walking track around lake). Free evening 5.00pm 5.30pm 5.00pm–6.00pm In Queenstown Arrive Franz Josef Arrive at Lincoln University Dinner provided Free evening 6.00pm 6.30pm Dinner provided Tour of Christchurch cityscape Own dinner Own dinner Own dinner Own dinner Evening free
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 October, 2013 (third week in Term 4 for most schools) 563 Borenore Road, Borenore 2800 (15 kms west of Orange, NSW)
The area dedicated to youth in agriculture at the 2013 event will be located in the Trevor Elliott Pavilion
The ANFD Education Committee members plan activities to provide the opportunity for an interactive learning experience for students with “hands on” activities and instant feedback from experienced livestock producers and agronomists.
Activities include: Livestock – activities with cattle and goats. For sheep activities see details below associated with the Poll Dorset Feature Exhibit Grains – identifying grains, what they are used for and nutritional benefits. Plants – identifying legumes, grasses and a wide variety of weeds. Fibre – wool, angora, alpaca, fleeces. Fruit – comparing varieties of apples. 44 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Feature Exhibitor 2013 The Australian Poll Dorset Association
Offering a comprehensive educational experience and providing a wide range of demonstrations, talks, displays and competitions providing practical information for the lamb producer through to the consumer.
Visitors to the Poll Dorset feature exhibit will be able to be part of the paddock to plate experience. Display of Poll Dorset sheep and Poll Dorset sired lambs Talks by industry professionals on topics that have a direct link to prime lamb production A butcher demonstrating how to break down a lamb carcass A static display with information on Poll Dorsets, a photo history of Poll Dorsets Guess the weight of the lamb competition. A colouring competition for primary school age students A junior judging competition for secondary school students run on Thursday 24 October There will also be a junior judging competition for 18–25 year olds held on Saturday 26 October. If you are interested in your students being involved in these competitions contact: Central West Region Australian Poll Dorset Association Secretary email [email protected] or phone (02) 6857 5122
Beyond the schools area the agriculture and general interest exhibitors cover all aspects of agricultural products and services with some exhibitors providing their own demonstrations.
Other activities include the sheep activity centre, cattle pavilion, 4WD activities, helicopters, sheep dog trials, a young farmer challenge, the latest in machinery design and technology, machinery demonstrations, art competition and exhibition.
Gate entry prices: $5 students & $15 adults. For prepaid tickets contact the office. For more information – see our website www.anfd.com.au or contact the ANFD admin office: phone: (02) 6362 1588 fax: (02) 6362 5421 email: [email protected]
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
June 2013 Newsletter Foundation News PIEF Conference a Success!
Over 150 delegates and 60 presenters gathered in Canberra in early June to share and learn about the latest in primary industries education in Australia.
Delegates included a healthy mix of educators, industry and government representatives, allowing for a robust discussion around how to maximise success in teaching and raising awareness of primary industries.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senator Joe Ludwig told delegates the government is committed to improving access to information about agriculture and agricultural careers evidenced by recent funding announcements as part of the National Food Plan, which includes $1.5m to support agriculture in the curriculum.
PIEF Chair, Dr Cameron Archer AM (L) with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig and PIEF CEO, Ben Stockwin (R) at the Conference held in Canberra.
The Conference also attracted media attention which included this story on ABC Radio. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/pief-conference-optimism/4734944
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Delegate Satisfaction Survey results to date show high levels of satisfaction with the structure and quality of Conference.
Just over 84% of delegates rated the Conference as "excellent" or "very good" with 70% answering "yes" when asked if they would consider attending next time.
Most delegates have nominated meeting, connecting and networking with new people as a highlight of Conference. Feedback also highlighted the benefits of hearing about primary industries education programs from across the country and how they are inspiring new ideas or collaborations.
If you attended Conference and have not completed the survey, please take a few minutes to share your feedback. It will help us design future events. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XTXJQSL
Strategic Planning Exercise On the final day of Conference, delegates were asked to provide feedback on what they believed primary industries education should KEEP doing, START doing and STOP doing. This information will feed into PIEF's new Strategic Plan.
The main themes from the answers received can be summarised as follows:
KEEP DOING (PIEF) Being the peak body for primary industries education and lobbying government (particularly around curriculum). Facilitating networking, events and conferences - to encourage collaboration. Raising awareness of primary industries education, including through Primezone.
START DOING (PIEF) Facilitate stronger links/partnerships between industry/agribusiness and schools. Provide opportunities for networking and collaboration between teachers from all States. Go beyond representation and develop resources, provide professional development and get involved in policy debates.
STOP DOING (primary industries generally) Reinventing the wheel - so many resources are being duplicated due to lack of awareness. More coordination/promotion needed. Operating in industry based silos - we're all in this together. Discussing primary industries as if it stops at the farm gate.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Queen's Birthday Honours There was wonderful recognition of primary industries educators in the recent Queen's birthday honours. Our Chair, Dr Cameron Archer, was awarded an AM for his significant service to agriculture education and to heritage management and conservation.
Also receiving an AM was agricultural science teacher Jackie Brown, who some would have met at the PIEF Conference. Jackie is the Head of the Jordon River Learning Federation School Farm in Tasmania.
Congratulations to both Cameron and Jackie on this well-deserved recognition.
Member News
Fish Fingers made from Chicken? Following on from PIEF's landmark research last year showing Australian school children are losing the connection with where their food comes from, research out of Britain has found 1 in 5 children aged between 4 - 11 think fish fingers are made from chicken.
One third of primary school children surveyed thought cheese grew on a plant and 1 in 10 secondary students believed tomatoes grew underground. Worryingly, the survey found the UK Government's advice to eat 2 serves of seafood a week was largely being ignored with only 17% of all children eating seafood twice a week.
PIEF member, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation's visually stunning "Fishfiles" website helps combat these issues in Australia by providing industry facts, consumer advice and a recipe of the day. Visit Fishfiles at http://www.fishfiles.com.au/Pages/default.aspx
PIEF Members include: Meat and Livestock Australia www.mla.com.au Fisheries Research and Development Corporation www.frdc.com.au Forest and Wood Products Australia www.fwpa.com.au Australian Pork Ltd www.apl.au.com Australian Egg Corporation Ltd www.aecl.org Cotton Australia cottonaustralia.com.au Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. www.daff.gov.au
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
School News
Larmenier Catholic Primary School in Launceston, Tasmania recently featured their school farm on the front page on their newsletter. Starting with a "chook palace" in 2003, the farm has grown to include pet guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, Lucky the galah, alpacas, rare breed Wessex Saddleback pigs, chickens and miniature goats. Recently children celebrated the arrival of two pregnant Dexter cows - Sapphire and Diamond.
Vegetable gardens provide children with the skills to grow and nurture plants. The vegetables and eggs from the farm provide a basis for class cooking and are sold through the school to community members.
School Principal Brent Wilson, says "almost ten years after its establishment it is an integral part of our school environment. It is hard to measure the success of the farm, but there is no doubt our children receive enormous pleasure and learn from the experiences that happen on our farm."
Read more about Larmenier Catholic Primary School's Farm Program at: http://www.larmenier.com/farm.php
A student collecting eggs at Larmenier Catholic Primary School. (source School website)
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Resources on PrimeZone
ForestLearning ForestLearning includes a range of resources and activities including factsheets, posters and multi- media tools for the classroom, activities and lesson ideas as well as useful websites and industry reports.
Activities, resources and ideas are provided for teachers to integrate forest education into their teaching programs across a range of key learning areas linked to national and state curriculum's including science, technology, history, geography and mathematics.
The site has been built and is maintained by a network of forest educators and forestry communication specialists across Australia known as the Australian Forest Education Alliance (AFEA).
This year the team at ForestLearning is working with teachers to develop a suite of new resources for Geography, Science and Technology subjects aimed at Year 7-10 students. If you are interested in participating (and going into the draw for an iPad) visit the website for more information. http://www.forestlearning.edu.au/
Workshops & Conferences
Rural Education Conference: 18 - 19 July (Melbourne, Vic) CEP is facilitating a two day rural learning conference for teachers, education leaders and all those involved in, or interested in, rural education. The conference will include keynote presentations and workshops outlining rural learning initiatives.
For more information and to register: http://cep.org.au/bush-voices/rural-education-conference-2013/
Women in Agriculture (AWiA) Conference: 9 - 11 August 2013 (Albany, WA) AWiA is celebrating its 20th anniversary by holding its Conference in Albany, in Western Australia. The event will showcase the Great Southern Region and explore issues around generational involvement in agricultural production - productivity, communications and engagement. More information is available from Conference Organiser, Elizabeth Brennan, at [email protected]
Registrations are now open at: http://wired.ivvy.com/event/A237M2/
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Awards, Grants and Prizes Agricultural Career Scholarship The Australian Agribusiness Association of Australia plans to award a multi-year scholarship each year. The AAA Scholarship is to encourage Australian youth to engage in a career in agriculture. Applications close on 30 June 2013.
For more information go to: http://www.agribusiness.asn.au/index.php/news_content/scholarship_available_from_the_agribusiness_association_of_australia/
Something Missing?
If you would like to submit a news item please email [email protected]
Our mailing address is: Primary Industries Education Foundation PO Box E10 Kingston, ACT 2604 Australia
Subscribe to the PIEF Newsletter at http://www.primaryindustrieseducation.com.au/
For a large range of school resources go to Primezone http://www.primezone.edu.au/school-resources/all-school-resources.html
Meat and Livestock Australia
MLA has a number of resources useful both in the Agriculture classroom and in the field. Many of these are free to download from their website – www.mla.com.au
These include: Beef, Sheep and Goat meat industry Factsheets – search for Fact Sheets on: http://www.mla.com.au/News-and-resources/Publications
Online, and downloadable, Calculators for: Cost of Production Stocking Rate and Feed Demand Pasture Assessment and Measurement Climate Impact See - http://www.mla.com.au/News-and-resources/Tools-and-calculators
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Agriculture-based Cooperative Research Centres (CRC)
Australian Seafood CRC http://www.seafoodcrc.com/
Cotton Catchment Communities CRC http://www.cottoncrc.org.au/industry/CRC_home
CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry http://porkcrc.com.au/
CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies http://www.beefcrc.com/
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity http://www.crcplantbiosecurity.com.au/
CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation http://www.sheepcrc.org.au/
Dairy Futures CRC http://www.dairyfuturescrc.com.au/
Future Farm Industries CRC http://www.futurefarmonline.com.au/
Invasive Animals CRC http://www.invasiveanimals.com/
Poultry CRC http://www.poultrycrc.com.au/
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au NSWAAT 40th Birthday
You’re required to help the NSWAAT celebrate its 40th Year Birthday
When: Saturday 24th August Where: Highland Heritage Estate, Orange (Mitchell Hwy towards Sydney) Time: From 5.30pm Cost: $65/pp (Partners most welcome) Given: 3 course meal, light entertainment, 2 complimentary drinks on arrival, plus 10 raffle tickets and the chance to celebrate our 40th year as a professional body with an agricultural difference Dress: Formal Tickets: Please direct debit your money to:- BSB: 082939 A/C No: 63975 7522 Reference: Your Name and 40th RSVP & Dietary Requirements: Please advise Carl Chirgwin via email [email protected]
th # Tickets Paid By: Friday 9 August
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au VERMICULTURE - Worms are an environmental asset They can produce great fertiliser
By David Mason-Jones
It was a fascination with Bill and Kathy’s interest was what worms could do for first drawn to worms by local the environment that led worm farmer and native graziers, Bill Haszard and flower producer, Brian Parry, his wife, Kathy Anderson, who lives close to their farm. to start up a worm The positive effect they saw business on their farm. Bill when Brian used worm and Kathy own a 76 hectare castings in his farming small farm in the ideal activities changed their grazing area near attitude to worms. They went Gloucester, NSW. They run from thinking they were just around 30 cattle and 60 something that were ‘there in Bill Haszard holding a freshly dug up handful of worms. sheep on the farm and the ground somewhere’ to have done so for many regarding them as one of the years. greatest environmental assets we can have. Worms ‘Worms are just the greatest help bring the ground alive. little workers for the environment you can In late 2010, Bill and Kathy imagine,’ says Bill. ‘They can began compost worm recycle nutrients on a production in a large massive scale and they can enclosed area they made on be used to produce fabulous the farm especially to contain fertiliser for a range of other compost mounds in which the farming pursuits, such as worms could feed and horticulture, cropping and just multiply. The shed was improving the nutrient value constructed from recycled of grazing land. farm gates that had, about a decade earlier, been used as Bill’s worm farm is constructed from a number of recycled ‘Another thing they can be part of a deer farm set up by deer gates. used for is on a small scale in Bill’s father. The large deer the suburbs where people gates – each one 2 metres ‘I get out there and collect as more darkness. We use the want to recycle their food high by 4 metres long – were much of the dung as I can gates to open up – or close scraps and use these to covered with shade cloth and and bring it back to help feed down – the sides of the fertilise their own gardens. this was to become important the worms. It is usually quite shade cloth area to create Wouldn’t it be a great benefit in the management of worms a race between the dung more light or make more for the environment in in the farm. beetles and me to see who darkness. This is how we Australia if people in the gets the most dung but I move the worms to the bed cities could use worms to Inside the large shade cloth certainly collect enough to where we want them.’ capture the nutrients in their enclosure, the worms are have a good food supply for food scraps and use these to encouraged to live and feed the worms,’ he says. Bill and Kathy sell their fertilise their own backyard in raised compost beds. worms in worm starter packs vegetable production?’ he These mounds are around 4 One important management and they also sell the Reln asks. metres wide by 8 metres technique with the worms is ‘Can of Worms’ small worm long. They are raised to a to be able to move them farm for use in the backyard ‘They would be stopping the height of around 600 about to different compost worm farms that are one-way-street for nutrients millimetres. One of the feed beds as you require. This becoming very popular in the we now see whereby sources Bill uses for the enables you to start a new cities of Australia. nutrients leave the farm, get worms is the dung he collects compost bed, or you may eaten in the cities, and then from the sheep and cattle on need to harvest the worms, For more information contact dumped in landfills or flushed the farm. or harvest the nutrient rich Bill Haszard on 0429 099 794 out to the ocean. I believe compost and worm castings. that there should be a smack ‘We control the grazing of the worm farm – a work kit – in sheep and cattle with the ‘The shade cloth and the every backyard in Sydney, farm divided up into relatively recycled old deer farm gates Melbourne, Brisbane and all small paddocks,’ he says. come into their own,’ says the other capital and regional ‘When the cattle are Bill. ‘Worms will move away cities of Australia. And this is concentrated in their small from areas where there is too the vision I am committed to,’ paddocks, their dung is much light and will move Small Farms magazine, he says. concentrated also. towards areas where there is November 2012, p70
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Compost Worms
1800 Compost worms - guaranteed alive when delivered to your school
$50 + freight, anywhere in NSW
Contact: Bill Haszard Willina Worms 0429099794 [email protected]
Please Note: 1. Invoice is sent with the worms 2. The Ag department will lead the way in green waste recycling in your school 3. You will become the boss’s best mate
The price of WORM FARMS with blanket is $60 plus freight. The freight component may make this purchase uneconomic.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Free Study Guide – Using Water Wisely
COSMOS, Australia's #1 science magazine, together with sustainability initiative Target 100, is proud to present science teachers with this FREE downloadable study guide on sustainable farming in Australia.
The Water Study Guide contains: - Engaging and challenging lesson ideas and classroom activities in a flexible format. - Resources to demonstrate the links between water, food and the environment. - Information on how livestock farmers are innovating to use water in more sustainable ways.
This is the first of three new study guides on sustainable farming. Watch out for the next two in the coming months.
Target 100 is an initiative by Australian cattle and sheep farmers, along with the broader industry, to deliver sustainable farming by 2020. It's a commitment to take positive action, both big and small, to continually improve the way farmers operate, and to improve sustainability throughout the beef and lamb supply chain.
Download the guide at http://target100.realviewdigital.com/?iid=74738#folio=1 56 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Other Study Guides available for download
These can be downloaded by clicking on the “Free Bumper Issues” tab on: http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/education/#free-teacher-resources
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
How much is available? Coles Junior Landcare Garden Grants are up to the value of $1,000 (excluding GST) and are offered over three rounds each year.
Who Can Apply? Any school or youth/community group seeking to educate young Australians about the environment. NOTE: All schools, kindergartens, day-care centres, and youth/community groups (e.g. Scouts) are eligible to apply for a Coles Junior Landcare Garden grant. Priority will be given to schools/groups that have not received a Coles Junior Landcare Garden Grant in the previous 12 months.
If your group is not incorporated you will need to form a partnership with an organisation that will (and can) accept responsibility for administering the financial aspects of your grant, for example an incorporated Landcare or catchment organisation.
What activities does the Coles Junior Landcare Garden grant support? . Bush Tucker gardens . Vegetable gardens . Native and sensory gardens . Composting and green waste recycling activities . Awareness raising of food miles through growing your own produce . Waterwise and Carbon gardening activities . Purchase of gardening equipment (gloves, shovels, watering cans etc.) up to the value of $500
Preference will be given to those applications which . Demonstrate strong environmental education outcomes and links to school curriculum . Involve the following groups: o Landcare groups and Natural Resource Management Organisations o local government o parents/ guardians, the wider community and community groups o local business . Promote leadership and environmental stewardship . Directly engage students in on-ground environmental sustainability activities . Support a range of activities . Are not currently involved in similar on-ground environmental projects
Activities not supported by this grant . Construction or upgrade of seating . General beautification of the school . Airfares, teacher wages or other travel costs . Water tanks or irrigation equipment totalling more than 50% of funding sought . Purchase of chicken run/coop materials totalling more than 50% of funding sought . Purchase of cooking equipment . Administration and labour costs . Construction of garden sheds . Purchase of lawnmowers . Purchase of flowers or turf . Landscaping 58 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Your application will be assessed on its: . Expected educational and environmental benefits. . Expected level of student/youth involvement, e.g. students identifying local problems and designing and implementing solutions. . Expected level of involvement of the broader school community or local community, eg. Links with a Landcare Group or Network. . Integration into the school curriculum or youth group program to maximise environmental learning. . Potential to develop the school’s/group’s skills and ability to contribute to environmental restoration in the future. . Project activities, which must be feasible and technically-sound. . Project budget, which must include detailed item descriptions (up to the value of $1,000) that reflect the project description. . Merit, equity and need. . Practical and sustainable activities.
Can I apply if I have received funding from Landcare in the past? Yes, however priority will be given to those schools/groups who have not received a Coles Junior Landcare Garden grant in the current calendar year.
Can I apply for more than one type of grant in a grant round? Yes, however the maximum number of grants you will be awarded in any given round is one.
Can I submit my application after the closing date? Late applications will not be considered for funding. Third round applications close Friday 2nd August, 5pm (AEST).
Where must I undertake my project? Within the school (or youth/community group) grounds, or in an area of community concern, with the prior permission of the landholder to carry out the project on their land.
How do I obtain an application form? Head to the ‘grants’ page on the Junior Landcare website at www.juniorlandcare.com.au.
How many grants are available? Junior Landcare awards approximately 300 Coles Junior Landcare Garden Grants per year
When can I expect to start and when do I need to have my project completed? Landcare Australia advises applicants of the outcome of their application approximately one month after the closing date of a funding round. If successful, grant funds must be spent on the project budget items within six months of receiving funds even if the project may be ongoing.
If successful, what are my obligations? . Conduct the project according to the activities and budget for which the funding was approved and received.
. Provide a final report on outcomes of the project, including how funds were spent, within six months of receiving funds.
. Permit Landcare Australia and partners to use your project final report and photos for promotional purposes.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
More agricultural scientists needed to help solve food security issue
(22 April 2013) – Discussions at last week’s Australia’s Place at the Table forum in Melbourne confirmed that the global issue of food security is not one that will be easily solved and it requires Australia’s most skilled and capable agricultural scientists to help find a solution, according to PICSE/Dow AgroSciences Science Education Officer Professional Development Award recipient, Susanna Greig.
The award was presented to Susanna, who is the Science Education officer at the University of New England, Armidale, last year by Dow AgroSciences. It recognises the outstanding work of Science Education Officers who work to nurture and encourage the next generation of tertiary bound school leavers to discover the broad range of science based careers supporting primary industries and provide support and resources to science.
Susanna used the award’s $2,000 professional development grant to attend the Australia’s Place at the Table forum, which was sponsored by VISY and The Australian newspaper and included presentations from thought leaders in government, education and the food and fibre industry.
“Winning the award was fantastic because it enabled me to attend this forum, which is the kind of opportunity that is not readily available in my daily work. I am incredibly grateful to Dow AgroSciences for sponsoring the award,” Susanna said.
“To offer students and their teachers the best and most useful information, I need to be up to speed with current industry issues. Then I can understand the career opportunities that evolve alongside these issues.
“This forum confirmed that there are some amazing opportunities for the next generation of skilled people who will work to address significant global issues and aim to make a real difference.
“At the forum, perspectives from all sides of government, education and industry both locally and international opinions were presented. There was a lot of talk about the importance of developing awareness of these global issues amongst the younger generation and recruiting more young people to get involved in the work required to solve these issues.
“That was enlightening for me because it reflects what we’ve been doing on the ground. The level of passion and commitment from everyone present was very high, which was great to see because we’re going to need every ounce of that enthusiasm to encourage Australia’s brightest young minds to enter the arena.
“The forum was helpful in putting a context around Australia’s need for more agricultural scientists. The information presented gave me some ‘food for thought’ that I will direct and include in my work activities. I can now include this information when I complete my program of school visits in May, where I will present to over 600 school students in the New England North West region describing the career opportunities in this sector and inviting students to apply for our Industry Placement Scholarship.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
“I also look forward to including this information in our program for our Teacher Professional Development event in November, which has the theme Science Solving Global Solutions,” Susanna said.
PICSE/Dow AgroSciences Science Education Officer Professional Development Award recipient, Susanna Greig attended the Australia’s Place at the Table forum in Melbourne, where thought leaders from all sectors agreed that attracting smart young Australians to careers in agricultural science is required to solve the global issue of food security.
For further information contact:
Jim Phimister Sue Hardman Marketing Specialist Director Dow AgroSciences Hardman Communications 02 9776 3435 02 9748 1002 [email protected] [email protected]
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
AgriFood Career Access Pathway
These are early days, yet the notion of an AgriFood Career Access Pathway (AG-CAP) has struck a chord across the rural and related industries. The AG-CAP model recognises the shift towards a higher skilled workforce and the significant demand for new and exciting paraprofessional jobs.
“Technology is transforming what we do and how we do it. We are one of the most diversified and rapidly changing workforces in the economy Science is moving beyond the domain of university graduates with emerging para-professional and technician job roles set to change the shape of our workforce”. AgriFood Skills Australia 2012 Environmental Scan
The AgriFood Career Access Pathway is a new and exciting initiative leading to rewarding careers in the modern agrifood industry. With the North West/New England of NSW being home to a diversity of industry sectors, educational institutions and research and development organisations, it is ideally placed to implement this new initiative. Working in partnership, AgriFood Skills Australia and the NSW Department of Education and Communities are positioning the region as a leader in preparing today’s young people for tomorrow’s agrifood industry.
The Distributed Campus model that underpins AG CAP, will link students with industry experts, researchers, academics and specialist teachers, providing them with the latest skills and knowledge required in this vibrant and increasingly high-tech industry.
“Students really need to be obtaining information on complex bio-system approaches where they can use up-to-date technology to cope with the increasingly complex operational environment of agricultural production or agricultural research”. Dr Thomas Banhazi, Senior Research Scientist from the University of Adelaide.
The starting point for AG CAP dovetails into Year 9 and 10 Agrifood programs at school, taking in agricultural science and primary industries students in Years 11 and 12, flowing seamlessly to agricultural college and TAFE with even a gap-year bridging course (currently under development) that will give students credit towards an undergraduate program when they enrol in university.
The AgriFood Career Access Pathway is flexible, supporting both students and existing workers helping them to attain the skills and knowledge they need to move into new job roles. Institutional study and relevant work and life experience contribute towards AG CAP credentials at each stage of the pathway. Credentials are nationally recognised under the Australian qualifications Framework.
Students will be members of a distributed campus getting access to the latest information, industry experts and training opportunities. Hands-on practical activities will complement the higher level theoretical education provided through the research and development corporations and UNE.
Members of the AG CAP fraternity will meet together a number of times a year participating in specially convened events that will give students real insights into the range of career opportunities in the agrifood industry. Over time, students and parents will realise that being an AG CAP participant will lead to viable careers and a great lifestyle; right on their doorstep.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au The Distributed Campus will capitalise on existing resources such as broadband and e-conferencing facilities. Tapping into networks across the New England and North West region linking students to those industries where they live and learn is a key feature of AG CAP. Through a collegiate approach, teachers and trainers will receive professional development from industry specialists, students will be introduced to employers and the R&D sector and universities will support training delivery across the education spectrum.
When the practical application of food and fibre science drives the curriculum, it becomes impossible for the curriculum to be out of date.
What does this mean for Year 11 students 2013?
Students can undertake a Traineeship in Agriculture while attending Farrer. They must do Primary Industries Core III and either Primary Industries Extension (Beef) or General (Crop).
As they will be required to undertake 100 days of industry work with an employer they may also be enrolled in Industry Based Learning which counts as a 2 unit subject however does not count towards an ATAR.
The student is paid at the training wage rate by the employer (rate depends upon award) and the employer gains some financial assistance for taking a trainee and upon completion. Parents can be the employer. This allows the work students undertake on their farm to be counted towards Structured Work Placement.
Benefits: Student completes traineeship and has more industry experience. Student gets paid to work Gets counted towards HSC so one less formal subject to study Exposure to industry training days each term Parents may be able to claim the employment cost as a tax deduction The student could use the wages to part pay their boarding fees 6 units of study and 2 subjects for HSC requirements. 100 days can be completed during weekends and holidays if desired so less disruption of term time Don’t have to complete Mandatory Structured Work Placement 2 units of subject not timetabled (Industry Based Learning) so students have to work in Library on their other subjects during these periods. They are not counted as “Frees”
Disadvantages Cost to parents / employer Loss of holiday / weekend/ term time to complete 100 days between start of year 11 and December of Year 12. Could miss Schoolies if days not already completed 2 days per term lost on special Industry Training Days 2 units of subject not timetabled (Industry Based Learning)
For more information contact: Russell Stewart P: 02 6792 6192 M: 0457 922 878 E: [email protected] W: http://www.agrifoodskills.net.au/?page=AGCAP 63 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au
Hay students take 'Rambo' to show
Hay War Memorial School, NSW, were Despite breeding Dorpers and White Dorpers hoping to become the first school in Australia in a predominantly Merino area, Mr Caughey to sell White Dorper and Dorper stud rams to said the aim was anything but divisive. "We're commercial buyers at this year's Australian Sheep & Wool Show.
The stud, which began in 2010, would take 11 sheep to the show and Hay agriculture program coordinator James Caughey said they were hoping to sell three of their White Dorper and Dorper rams.
"We're extremely nervous about whether they're going to sell," he said.
"Our top ram - 'Rambo' - has had a lot of exposure in the shows and stud breeders are aware of his bloodlines."
Mr Caughey also had high hopes for one of their ewes that came fourth at Dubbo Show in May.
He said students from Hay would go into the interbreed sections at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, with the idea to try and educate them about the whole of the sheep industry. trying to educate our students on how to handle and prepare sheep so if they do get a "We've had almost double the number of job on a local stud the only thing that will students applying to get into the show team change is the breed," he said. this year which is great," he said. Hay War Memorial students Jayden Wall, Kate Hicks and Hannah McGufficke with Dorper ram Rambo (left) and ewes Salt and Pepper at the Sydney Royal Sheep & Fleece Show. All three animals are from the same sire.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Team Effort for School and Stud
By Nick Heydon
What began with two Year 10 Students step in students from Elizabeth Macarthur High School KIA Ora Limousin stud co- conducting their work experience principal Mary Parsons on Kia Ora Limousin stud has said it had been great to now evolved into a flourishing have students from partnership between the school Elizabeth Macarthur High and the stud. School at Narellan Vale helping out over the years In fact, Elizabeth Macarthur High and showing cattle. School agriculture teacher Nicolet Westerhof, Narellan Vale, Mrs Parsons said it was' believes the association with the also good to be able to stud has enhanced the learning have some of the students opportunities for many of her on her property for work agriculture students and has even experience. led them down some agricultural career paths. Prior to establishing the Limousin stud, Mrs She said she had known Mary Parsons had herself been and Mick Parsons of Kia Ora a high school teacher, and Limousins at Roslyn for some so the experience of time, through her work with teaching was not a new Limousin cattle at various shows skill she had to acquire. and at the Limousin National at Wodonga. Her classroom, however, was no longer confined to However the school's association four walls but was now her with the stud officially began Roslyn property. about four years ago when two of her then Year 10 students - The first two students who Hayley Jones and Belinda Barnes participated in the Kia Ora - were looking for somewhere to work experience program spend their work experience. were Hayley Jones and Hayley Jones is pictured showing a Kia Ora heifer at Canberra Belinda Barnes, both in Mary Parsons took them in, and Royal in 2012. Year 10 at the time, about they were able to spend some four years ago. They also valuable work experience time on The steers have come from the they can have that experience went on to show Kia Ora the stud at Roslyn, which is about stud, been grown out at Elizabeth too." cattle. 20 kilometres east of Crookwell Macarthur High School for three to four months, and then the meat The school showed Kia Ora cattle Mrs Parsons said following Those two students who started has been sold to other teachers. at Sydney Royal, Canberra Royal the initial work experience their work experience on Kia Ora and the Limousin National Show placement, Hayley and are now studying at university. The funds raised from the meat and Sale in Wodonga, as well as Belinda asked if they could sales have gone to support the on the local show circuit which return to the property in Hayley Jones is currently studying show team, which Ms Westerhof included Goulburn, Bungendore, their holidays to gain zoology in Armidale, and Belinda was helpful. Braidwood and Taralga. further experience. Barnes is studying agricultural science at Orange. "It allows us to continue doing our "Mary takes on some of my That initial work work;' she said. students for work experience, and experience placement is Another Elizabeth Macarthur I can also work with Mary as now an ongoing student, Kate Byrne, is also Aside from Kia Ora, Elizabeth well." partnership. "If the school studying agriculture in Wagga Macarthur has been involved with needs steers then we Wagga. two other Limousin studs: Lachlan She said those experiences on supply some for their View at Appin and Lavender Farm the farm were so valuable for the competition," she said. Elizabeth Macarthur students at Menangle. students, enabling them to get have continued to conduct work outside the classroom and Mrs Parsons said many of experience at Kia Ora. The association with Kia Ora beyond the ag plot into a real the students she had the means the school has another working environment experience of working with Ms Westerhof said the school had partner to work with, which means had not necessarily come also been able to acquire some of more cattle, and thereby more "The kids love going down to her from rural backgrounds but the Kia Ora cattle. opportunities for the students property - they love the had been raised in the city. themselves. opportunity to work there," she "They have given a couple of my said. As such, the opportunity to students the opportunity to "We have a lot of kids, and this gain practical experience purchase some cattle and start partnership with Kia Ora means "It is a fantastic partnership that on a real farm and as part their own studs," she said. that I have the opportunity to has kept working for the benefit of of a working Limousin stud have a number of kids participate the students. "She's helped direct would prove to be very ''And as a school we have also on a show team;' she said. some of my students towards valuable. been able to purchase some of careers in agriculture. their steers:' "So instead of taking only two or "They keep coming back, three kids to a show, I can have "And when you also have people and are keen to learn new Ms Westerhof has also been able up to 10 kids participate. like that supporting agriculture skills." to use the Kia Ora steers for teachers, it just makes our job fundraising purposes. "It gives me the opportunity to that little bit easier.' The Land. 11 July 2013 have more students and then 65 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Fostering Young Merino Interest
As the Merino industry looks to the future with expectations for "It’s good to have it at an event solid wool and lamb markets, it such as ours where the kids can is also stepping up its efforts to garnish a wealth of information foster the next generation of from all the breeders, and sheep enthusiasts. perhaps make contacts for jobs in the future." "It’s pretty obvious that we don’t get any younger and we need to The Rabobank National Merino foster the younger generations Sheep Show and Ram Sale will coming through," said run from August 27 to 29 at Australian Wool Network Dubbo Showground. Central West representative Brett Cooper. Junior fleece and sheep judging competitions will be held on It’s a view commonly held by Wednesday, August 28, people in the Merino industry from11am, and anybody under and was a key driver behind the the age of 25 years can enter inaugural school’s wether on the day. challenge as part of last year’s Rabobank National Merino Banking on a Sheep Show and Ram Sale. second title Following on from that success, the committee has stepped DUNEDOO Central School things up another notch this hopes to win back-to-back titles year with the addition of a junior at this year’s Rabobank fleece judging competition. National Merino Sheep Show and Ram Sale school wether "Schools are big into the beef competition. They were cattle side of things and some of awarded the champion school the meat (sheep) breeds," Mr at the event’s inaugural Cooper said. competition last year. Mr Smith is pictured (centre) with Year 9 student Rachael Sweeney and Year 10 "It’s now the Merino industry’s student Ethan Adams and the school’s wethers for this year’s competition. The competition involves turn to encourage students to "It’s the ram sale committee’s challenge, said he was keen to students looking after wethers get involved in their side of the way of getting the next provide students with the on-site at their school prior to industry." generation interested in sheep, opportunities for hands-on judging at the Dubbo and Merinos in particular.” experience and learning. "It’s a Showground in August, To be held at Dubbo from big learning curve for the conducted as part of the ram August 27 to 29, the ram sale is Over the three-day show and children and talking to some of show and sale. The competition in its 53rd year and the show sale, young Merino enthusiasts the school teachers I think the is judged on fleece, saleyard will mark 40 years in 2014. will also get the chance to students are getting quite a lot and meat values. showcase their sheep handling out of it," Mr Cooper said. While the school wether abilities. Agriculture teacher Jade Smith challenge is only entering its At the end of the competition said last year’s win was "a second year at the national Schools involved will be from an the wethers will be sold, with surprise." "There were some competition, the newcomer has area stretching from Inverell in profits going back to the school. good teams from other schools fast become one of the the State’s north, to Condobolin there," he said. calendar’s highlights. and Forbes in the south. "The next step in this competition, if it continues to "Not coming from a sheep "As much as it is a competition "They can be hands-on and get grow, would possibly be a background myself, it was nice and judging, it’s probably an understanding of handling carcase competition) but we’re to know we had got everything predominantly about students Merino sheep, much like the not quite at that stage yet;” Mr right." learning,” Mr Cooper said. cattle industry do with their steer Cooper said. shows," Mr McBurnie said. This year Dunedoo is again "Whether it’s myself, or one of "There has been some calls throwing its hat into the ring my counterparts from the wool This year 11 schools will be from some of the schools” because Mr Smith said it was a industry, we will talk about wool involved, with each team agriculture teachers for a good way to get students traits and we will have someone bringing three wethers which carcase competition. involved in the Merino industry from the meat industry have been in the care of and at the same time gain represented. students in the lead-up to "It wouldn’t be possible without valuable hands-on experience Dubbo and taught to lead on a the generous donations from a working in a team situation. "Obviously some of the sheep halter. Students are also number of producers throughout breeders will be trying to impart encouraged to keep a diary the State that actually have "It’s a learning plank too in some of their knowledge to the about how they have looked donated those wethers. terms of wool production," Mr students too." after the wethers. Smith said. "Producers see the benefit in Rabobank National Merino Sheep are judged on wool and trying to pass on some "We have a Suffolk stud here at Sheep Snow and Ram Sale meat traits. knowledge and get people the school where we focus president Stuart McBurnie said interested in the Merino solely on the meat side. "They last year’s students were There is also a projection class industry.” learnt about care of animals, enthusiastic and a credit to their that will look at the five-year particularly at the show where schools. production capacity of the Mr McBurnie said the high level they had to make sure they had individual wethers. of hands-on management of the feed and water all the time. We’ve received a lot of very sheep and involvement of "The practical side is very positive feedback from this new Mr Cooper, who is also one of young people in the event was a important to back-up the initiative,” Mr McBurnie said. the organisers of the school win-win. theory." The Land, 11 July 2013, p39 66 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Queanbeyan High School
Canberra Royal Show
Five months of preparation paid off for the Queanbeyan High Show Team at Royal Canberra Show. They have fed, groomed and halter-trained two heavy export weight steers at recess, lunch, weekends and holidays. All of the elective Agriculture students have also been involved during class time. Finally judging day arrives and we are up at 5.30am for a long day of grooming and parading.
To win a ribbon at a Royal show is a significant achievement and we competed against the State Champion schools. The first competition is the Cattle Parader’s where QHS has not previously progressed beyond places in the heats. This year, Penny Slater took out 3rd place in the 17 years final where her hours of practice impressed the judge.
Then our steers, James Bond (186kg) and Ginger (194kg) paraded for the judge. Both were called out with James taking 3rd and Ginger 4th. All of the steers were auctioned with James making $1183 and Ginger sold for $2049. Steven and John Slater were most impressed with the preparation and presentation of their cattle.
Carcase results were presented on Sunday morning. The commercial and school carcases are judged together for a total of 70 exhibits. James scored 92.5 points to be the Champion carcase of the Show.
Special thanks to Steven Slater who supplied our cattle, QHS Farm Assistants John Slater and Peter Robertson for their daily care of the cattle, Morar Goat Stud for financial support and to all of the students who worked with the cattle. Thanks from Mr Crabb to the staff who covered classes and allowed students out of class to compete.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Friday arrives and the main Show starts. A group of 50 QHS Agriculture students compete in the ACT region Merino sheep junior judging as well learning about sheep, cattle, alpacas, bees and much more. A number of QHS students qualified for the final of the junior judging on Sunday but were unable to attend.
Throughout the Show QHS students worked as volunteers in the Farmyard Nursery where we also had Frizzle bantams on display and thousands of people watched chickens hatch from the eggs we had incubated. The next event is the Sydney Royal Easter Show where we have a team of 16 Frizzle bantams competing.
Royal Easter Show
The Queanbeyan High Agriculture Show Team has prepared our best team ever of Frizzle bantams for the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. Queanbeyan High won all eight classes in our breed section plus Champion White Frizzle and Champion Coloured Frizzle with the White male being overall breed Champion. The next challenge is to further improve some of the fine points and be competitive with other breeds for higher awards.
Much credit is owed to Kyah Wolf, Keely Warren and Asfiya Mansuri of Year 8 who have worked every day at recess and lunchtime to train and groom the 16 birds which competed. As you can see in the photo, the Frizzles are now very tame and know how to show themselves off for the judge - thanks to the hours of work put in by the girls.
The project began in June 2012 with strict selection of the breeding stock. The lights were turned on in the shed to encourage the hens to begin laying out of season so that the chickens would be mature by Easter. Incubation and brooding of the chickens was undertaken by all Agriculture classes.
Several of the show team were sold in Sydney. We have also recently sold birds to Queensland, Victoria, Bega and Tumut. The next event is the National Poultry Show at EPIC in June. Special thanks to QHS Farm Assistants Mr Robertson and Mr Slater for their care of all of our farm livestock, and to Mr Patterson and Mr Fletcher of Canberra/Queanbeyan Poultry Club who arranged transport to and from Sydney.
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REACHING MORE THAN 150,000 READERS IN SOUTHERN NSW EVERY WEEK SOUTHERNWEEKLY
19 Gurwood Street Wagga - Phone 6921 6977 - Fax 6921 6685 - Email: [email protected] Week commencing Monday, April 15, 2013 Gundagai High School rewarded with generous donation
Gundagai High School’s agricultural department were the recipients of a pure bred Charolais Heifer at the school’s recent cattle parade. The Heifer was donated to the school by the Rural Youth Cattle Enrichment (RYCE) program.
RYCE donated the gift following its receipt of $200,000 after being awarded the 2012 NAB National Schools First Impact award.
Gundagai High School agricultural and science teacher Dale Chadwick was delighted to accept the gift and said the new cow will offer an invaluable resource for the agricultural department.
“It will provide a valuable “They (the students) were all Tumut High School agriculture success that it is and we opportunity for students to extremely excited about the teacher Tony Butler is an would like to recognise his compare cross-breeds and donation and were really organiser of the RYCE efforts by donating this Heifer pure-breeds when we breed it pumped to see it,” he said. program and said the to Gundagai High School.” with the Angus cattle because donation was to acknowledge most of our cattle are Angus “I personally am very excited Mr Chadwick’s work in The RYCE program has run and this will now give students and also appreciative of establishing school parades for 17 years and is a wider exposure,” Mr RYCE in helping further and providing support to collaboration between a Chadwick said. educate our students with this RYCE. number of organisations and donation. schools to give agriculture “The students will be able to “It has been a very satisfying “It was 18 years ago that Dale students opportunities within compare growth rates and and rewarding journey to see Chadwick from Gundagai the industry. also structure and this will aid students achieve and develop High, Sarah Nicholls from them in furthering their skills that may assist them in Batlow Central and myself got knowledge with different their future lives. together and established the breeds.” school parade competitions at “Career opportunities in the our local shows,” Mr Butler Mr Chadwick said the school agricultural industry are said. was excited to welcome the expanding in Australia and new Heifer to its stock and anything to help boost the “Dale’s valuable support and praised RYCE for their help in skills of our students and dedication to Gundagai High’s expanding the education of increase their knowledge is show parade program has students at Gundagai High greatly appreciated. assisted RYCE to be the School.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Macintyre High School
Last week saw a culmination of the New England show seasons efforts with a small team of the Macintyre show team travelling to Sydney to participate at the Sydney Royal. We took 5 senior students and 4 head of cattle and Mrs Snaith.
This year the feature beef breed was Charolais and for those of you whom don’t know much about cattle, that’s the main breed we have in our school stud. So, we thought we’d go and have a crack at competing with the best in Australia. To our great delight we got a 3rd with Palgrove Bronwin, one of the stud heifers, led by Katrina Doak. The other heifer called Pandora did not place unfortunately.
In the trade steer class, Hamish our Charolais x Murray Grey steer did not gain a ribbon however in the purebred class our Charolais steer called Tyson ended up in the middle lineup not gaining the top positions. Both the steers were in classes of 45 to 56 steers. However in the Charolais Steer classic he placed 4th which we were pretty happy with.
Sam Ritchie with his 3rd for Junior judging
The students also needed to compete with their animal handling skills, ringcraft etiquette and ability to judge bulls, steers and heifers and then speak to their decision in front of 100’s of people. Macintyre ended up with Sam Ritchie getting 3rd in his age group with past students Ryan Marks getting a 2nd AND Allison McCabe placing 1st in the Charolais Youth Classic Junior judging. In the School Paraders, Mitchell represented us and gained 4th out of over 50 paraders . In the Charolais Youth Classic, Sam gained 2nd and Mitchell 4th. Overall, an outstanding effort for Macintyre High School.
As well as serious competition students also learnt how to catch trains to get into the city centre, wandered the Queen Victoria Building, Myers, down to the Food Court, along Pitt St to the harbour area where they checked out the Opera House and views of the Harbour Bridge.
Overall, Macintyre High school were satisfied with their outcomes from the Royal Sydney Show and look forward to revisiting in 2014 and plan to exhibit White Suffolk stud sheep also as they have established their Swanbrook White Suffolk stud breeding programme. They purchased a ram from Ian Gilmore of “Tattykeel”, a renowned meat sheep stud breeder. The students certainly enjoyed the opportunity to compete at such an elite level and help develop links with an industry where most of them hope to get jobs!
The showteam and Mrs Snaith would like to thank the school for allowing them to go, Bacco for making everyone laugh, Casey and Nigel Wieck from CB Charolais for taking the school cattle cattle up and down to Sydney in their semi-trailer. The hard work for Royal shows begins many 70 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au months ago and all the students in the Macintyre High School showteam are to be commended on their perseverance and hard work. It is a success for all to enjoy and we now look forward to what EKKA may bring!
Mitchell Marks, Sam Ritchie, Katrina Doak, Tom Baxter and James Morris holding Hamish, a Charolais X Murray Grey
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Coonamble High School
Coonamble High’s Bovine Appreciation Club is on the lookout for a new trophy cabinet after returning from Sydney Royal Easter Show with a sack full of loot. The team of fifteen students and nine steers picked up an award in every discipline in red hot competition of over 300 steers. Students or steers placed in led steer, parader, junior judging, carcass and virtual taste test classes.
The CHS BAC Team in front of their display with the nine steers exhibited. Left to right: Emily Ryan, Logan Rankmore, Dan Williams, Bobby Presnell, Brad King, Cameron Markey, Brooke Elsley, Sharna McNamara, Adrian Davis, Dylan Ryan, Leevi Baker, Tim Ibbot
BAC Veteran, Emily Ryan led the way with an exceptional individual performance. Emily put in a phenomenal effort in the state final of the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) Paraders’ competition, leading a 20 month old heifer from the Outwest Angus Stud. After just scraping through at Zone level by placing 3rd in the zone finals at Dubbo in January, Emily put in a career best performance, claiming second in her age group. When the winner of her class claimed Champion, Emily was called into the ring for Reserve Champion, just getting pipped at the post. This left Emily in the top 8 across 109 finalists from all age classes- an outstanding effort.
Emily added to this by bagging second in the Junior Judging event held by the Charolais Youth Society. Emily was pushed out of her comfort zone, having to judge three classes of animal- steers, heifers and bulls. The finalists then spoke to the large crowd about their selections, with Emily’s performance being judged second from the large pool of experienced contenders.
In addition, Emily capped off the show with a bronze medal for her heavyweight Limousin Steer, bred by Top River Limousins, Tamworth.
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The BAC bagged two silver medals in the Trade Steer class, with two Charolais X steers, Mr Strong (bred by Len & Lorraine Scott, and prepared by Dylan Ryan) and Mr Fussy (Bred by Suzie Fagan and prepared by Shai Smith and Tim Ibbott). Both steers were unlucky to miss out on the hoof, and showed why with a nice shiny medal each.
Mr Greedy, an Angus Steer donated by Halcroft & Bennett and bred by Kevin Parkins and Marrianne Spooner of Lightning Ridge placed first in the virtual taste test. “Mr Greedy”, prepared and paraded by Adrian Davis in his second appearance for the BAC and first at a Royal Show, also picked up sixth in its led class. This was a great reward for Adrian, who toiled non-stop all week on his steer, as well as helping others with their preparation.
Another highlight for Adrian was working with Wasey, a professional fitter from Canada, who was flown in for the week by Pine Creek Angus Stud. Wasey (who took out the Calgary Stampede in 2010 with a steer he bred and prepared himself) and Adrian worked together for over an hour on Adrian’s steer, with Adrian picking up invaluable experience from one of the best in the business. The students were pleasantly surprised with a visit from new Principal, Margaret Mulcahy. Mrs Mulcahy spent the entire day with the students and parents that had travelled to support the team. The students took the time to show her their excellent display and show her the cattle that they had diligently prepared. Mrs Mulcahy also watched the steers in their led classes and in the auction. Mrs Mulcahy was also impressed with the growing partnership between the BAC and the Coonamble Clontarf Academy, which is benefiting all students in the BAC.
Robert Welsh and Luke Ballard enjoying “The Royal”
The week of 5am starts and midnight finishes took its toll on students and adults alike. Two students (who shall remain unnamed), fell asleep at the breakfast table on the final morning. Whilst that same morning, one of the BAC Mums fronted up to the show with her shirt inside out. It wasn’t all hard work and no play for the students, as they got half a day off on Monday for a quick scoot into Darling Harbour and a night out at the footy, to see the Bunnies just get over the Sharks.
The BAC had some serious horsepower working behind the scenes this trip. None greater than our three BAC Parents, Fiona Pennell, Juliann Smith and Alan Dodd, who toiled non-stop to keep up with the frantic pace set by the kids. St Ignatius College Riverview, through their association with the Clontarf Academy hosted some of the team, and the trip could not have happened so successfully without this generous arrangement. Finally, Luke Ballard, Clontarf Academy Director, who invested a week supporting all of our students deserves a huge wrap. A week away from a young family is never easy, and his dedication to all of the students is a gift to the team.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Byron Bay High School
Byron Bay High School has won the Children’s Farm Produce Most Successful Exhibitor and Most Successful Farm Produce Exhibitor at the Bangalow Show 2012. This not only marks 6 years of success as Most Successful Children’s Farm Produce exhibitor, but 4 years in succession for both categories.
Lucy, Eliza, agriculture science teacher Jennifer Woodward, Neve and Madeline were very pleased that their Byron Bay High School Ag group’s efforts were successful in two categories. The school was represented with a selection of guinea pigs and produce including honey, eggs, carrots, onions, and a variety of other vegetables and flowers. The team won the Most Successful Exhibitor – Farm Produce and Most Successful overall.
The Byron Bay High School Agriculture students manage their gardens to organically produce high quality vegetables for the show. The Ag section's honey and eggs have received several awards. The students also gained several places at the show for their flowers in the Horticulture section. This year the school also won the Byron Bay Garden Club award for the Best School Garden for the third year in a row.
The students breed, rear and manage Japanese Quail and purebred Sheltie guinea pigs which they have also successfully exhibited at the Bangalow Show over several years gaining Champion Quail of the show and Best Cavy in Show on two occasions.
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Shoalhaven High School
Our school participated and performed extremely well as “first timers” at the Nowra show. Our results are:
First place - Senior Champion (Section 9, Female over 20 months/Under 30 months) Female Beef Breed Other Than British. Our cow, Creamy, is a Square Meater Heifer.
Zia McGale, Teagan Mitchell-White and Morgan Martin
First place in the Poultry Section Softfeather Large A.O.B. Male. Second place in the section Softfeather Large A.O.B. Female, and Second place for Softfeather Large Pair
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In the Vegetable Section we gained:
First and Second Place in the Zucchini Marrow, and First Place in the Junior Section Pumpkin (any variety)
Mrs Maree McNeil
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Mount Annan Christian College
This year a team of 5 students, Samara Rutten (year 9), Cherise Kumnick and Joshua Stevenson (year 10) and Erin Marriott-Zaccardelli, and Michael Watsford (year 12) attended the Royal Easter Show. The team spent their time grooming, milking, parading and cleaning up after 15 cows from Werombi Ayrshire Stud owned by Brett and Melinda Hayter.
The students competed in the State Youth Paraders competition and participated in the Semex Youth Challenge.
The Semex Youth Challenge has 3 sections: Groom heifer for parading (4 team members) Parade 3 heifers (3 team members) Judging (3 team members)
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There were 9 teams and most of the teams were made-up of a mix of under 25 years old people working for various studs in the shed and have varying experience and have not worked together (with the exception of the Hurlstone Agricultural High School and 2 other teams).
Congratulations to Hurlstone Agricultural High School who took out first place for the first time.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Gulargambone Central School
“On the 13th January2013, a fire of immense power devastated property, parkland and an unimaginable number of animals. It was indeed fortunate that no lives were lost but many dreams, livelihoods and memories were shattered. Our own lives were affected through the terrible loss of a beautiful home and a couple of sheds that contained many irreplaceable items. Both my wife, Nicole, and myself consider ourselves fortunate as it was not our primary home and we did have some insurance coverage. Though in saying that, every time we visit the property we are saddened and still, nearly 3 months later, are in disbelief of what occurred.
Through all of this turmoil and unrest there has been an amazing show of support from family, friends and the community which has stretched well beyond the Coonabarabran Shire boundaries. We were very grateful to receive such support from some students of the Gulargambone Central School. Shenae Baxter, Bradley McEwen and Grant Millgate of Year 8 and Robert Weldon of Year 7 travelled to our property on the 28th March with teaching staff Katie Rowe and Greg O'Brien. The students and staff along with Meg Leathart, Jenny Dumble and Peter Thompson (of Coonabarabran) did an incredible job of helping to dismantle and roll up a couple of boundary fences that had been destroyed by the fire.
It was a great day with beautiful weather, wonderful company and both Nicole and I truly appreciate the efforts put in by all involved.
Thank you. David Hunter
Jen, Shenae, Dave, Peter, Meg, Greg and up in the branches can you spot Robert, Grant, Bradley
Thank you to Dave and Nicole Hunter for allowing the students the opportunity to see, think and do in our recent field trip to your place. There are just some things that cannot be taught or learnt in a classroom.
Thank you to Meg Leathart and your fantastic team for organising a fantastic excursion from the Warrumbungles Education Centre.
To the students, Shenae Baxter, Bradley McEwen, Grant Millgate and Robert Weldon for showing interest and the ability to work as a team to get the job done.
To Greg O’Brien for establishing and assisting in the necessary skills needed to actively engage the students in such an activity. 79 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Pittwater High School
Castle Hill Show 2013
Months and months of planning and preparation went into making Pittwater’s sheep and poultry the premier animals at the show. Every day they were fed a show standard diet. Discussions with and between experts led to heated arguments on the best regime. It is amazing the animals could stand the pressure! Then how should they be presented? We asked the parents for towels, bought special wool soap for the sheep and shampoo for the poultry. Many students washed and scrubbed to ensure a standard of presentation that matched their enthusiasm. Then the lunch times of preening the poultry and walking the sheep. After a rigorous selection process Rob and Maaike were selected to lead the sheep Goldie and Apples. This is no easy task as it had been a long since either sheep had seen a halter. From wild cranky angry beasts the sheep calmed to cooperative beings. It is no easy task to get a 90 kg animal to cooperate.
Finally show day came and the tension mounted. Each class our sheep were entered in meant one more ribbon. The judge often kept us in suspense as she deliberated over the features of each animal. In a class with 11 other sheep this was a long process but in the end first place was to Apples.
Any achievement such as this is the result of a team effort. The show team was formed early in the year and every member played an important part. Many students were in the background coming in on weekends to feed the sheep or during lunch times filling in as helper. Parents have driven students to and from the show. It is a credit to all of the students involved that the sheep and poultry of Pittwater High achieved such enviable success at the show.
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Royal Easter Show 2013
Literally months in the planning, our show day finally arrived. Mr Thatcher had the buses organized, chased up late comers, work sheets printed, staff booked, talks and demonstrations arranged and on top of that perfect weather. The morning started early to avoid traffic so we arrived just as exhibitions were opening. The show staff were fresh and eager to answer thousands of questions from our energetic students. It wasn’t long before even Mr Thatcher had a smile on his face as we had two comments from exhibitors on the good manners and responsibility shown by our students. The work sheets kept students busy well up to lunch time. So many exhibits to see and questions to ask! The demonstrators at each stall gave students an in depth understanding of their activity, that we could never hope to achieve at school. Many of the farmers standing near their animals were engaged in interesting conversations with our students. The quality of these discussions was evident in the work sheets that were completed. Every student presented work to the best of their ability. An excursion like this allows the curriculum to be differentiated and students can then learn not only at their own pace but at a level commensurate with their ability. Finally work sheets were finished and conversations ended and it was and they were allowed free time before boarding the buses for home.
A show would not be a show without prizes. One of the modern game birds PHS entered came a commendable third in its highly competitive class. Our meat birds came eighth in a field of 30 schools in the new competition organised by Steggles. And yes the towels donated by Pittwater families again came in handy for chook washing. Not only out of all the schools entering, but out of ALL the competitors at the show, our school eggs were CHAMPIONS. When later on discussing this with Lisa from the canteen she commented that the quality of the food scraps they feed to the chooks as they are second to none, in her opinion. This aspect is all part of the sustainability emphasis we have at Pittwater High. The chooks eat the scraps, lay the eggs which then go to the canteen and more scraps are made to complete the cycle. Many students past and present can attest to this process occurring in the homes as they bought chickens through the school when in year 8. Thank you Katrina, Lisa, Felicity and the canteen helpers for the role you play in sustainability of our planet.
Loading the buses in the morning, throughout the day and coming home the behaviour of Pittwater High School students was exemplary. Time and again we as staff were proud of the way they helped each other, made the best of the available opportunities at the show and best of all had excellent manners. A big thank you goes to Mrs Smalley, Ms Gregory, Mr Taylor and Mr Rawlinson for giving up more than a whole day for this excursion. Our congratulations and thanks go the Mr Thatcher on the exceptional excursion he organised.
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Yass High School Primary Industries Students work with BlazeAid at Bookham
Aaron Wilson putting in a strainer with supervisor Terry.
Amy Adamow and Yasmine McGrath pause while digging a stay hole.
In January the Cobblers Road fire that started near Jugiong in Southern NSW swept through the Bookham area and on towards Yass. The fire destroyed over 10,000 head of stock and left a trail of ruined fences and infrastructure that desperately needed repair.
BlazeAid came to the rescue and based at the War Memorial Hall at Bookham a small community of Grey Nomads and people of all ages gathered to begin work on the damaged property and people alike. To date the volunteers have contributed 1907 volunteer days, cleared over 60 km of fencing, replaced 125 km of fencing to a total value of $1.6m.
At Yass High School, itself recovering from a major fire in the TAS block, the need to place 36 Year 11 and 12 Primary Industries students in suitable work placement positions led the local co- coordinator, Martha Gray, to suggest the school help out BlazeAid.
Local BlazeAid co-coordinator, Garry Waterson jumped at the chance to get extra workers on the job and saw the chance to work with our students as an extra dimension to the work they were doing in the area. As well as fixing fences, much of the work being done was restoring the spirits of the locals that had taken such a battering in the fires.
When visiting the students working under the guidance of the various worksite supervisors I became aware how much of the work being done was just interacting, supporting and tending to the emotional needs of the landowners as much as their properties. It has been a great experience for the students to be part of these special workplace relationships.
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Roger Gillies, Gary Waterson and Col Coleman from BlazeAid look on as HS student Reece Brooks completes his work. BlazeAid co- ordinator Gary Waterson has welcomed the students doing their PI Work Placement and the students are gaining valuable on- the-job experience.
In addition they have been able to improve their skills across a whole range of competencies in a unique and worthwhile community exercise.
The feedback from all the supervisors has been unanimously positive and this has been communicated via both print and online media including Facebook to the local and wider community.
As time has moved on, the urgency of the disaster has diminished, and with the cooler weather the annual shift of Grey Nomads to the warmer parts of the country had begun to thin out the number of volunteers. The addition of the school students to the volunteer force has enabled the task of completing as much fence work as possible, before the program winds down completely, to be achieved.
As the local newspaper “The Yass Tribune” reported, the program has been a ‘win-win’ event for both the school and the community.
The “lads” relax back at base after the first day's work.
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Upcoming Agricultural Events
AgQuip Field Days Field Days Site, Gunnedah, NSW 20-22 August 2013 www.agquip.com.au
Henty Machinery Field Days Field Days site, Henty, NSW 17- 19 Sept 2013 www.hmfd.com
Murrumbateman Field Days 19 East Street, Murrumbateman, NSW 19 - 20 Oct 2013 www.mfdays.com
Australian National Field Days 563 Borenore Road, Borenore 2800 24 – 26 Oct 2013 http://www.anfd.com.au/
Farming Small Areas Expo & Equine Exhibition Hawkesbury Showgrounds, Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW 2 -3 Nov 2013 www.farmonline.com.au
Royal Canberra Show Flemington Road, Exhibition Park, Lyneham, ACT 21 – 23 February 2014 http://www.rncas.org.au/showwebsite/site/index.php
Royal Easter Show 1 Showground Road, Olympic Park, NSW 2127 10 - 23 April, 2014 http://www.eastershow.com.au/
Tocal Field Days 815 Tocal Road, Paterson, NSW 2421 2-4 May 2014 www.tocalfielddays.com
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2013 Winter Bulletin No 42 www.nswaat.org.au Snippets
I came across this link to a short video clip about a day in the life of a dairy farmer. It may be useful to some ag teachers. http://vimeo.com/63371140 Arthur Kelly
All Tocal publications are on the website at http://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/.
Poultry CRC Secondary School Worksheets are available for download at http://www.poultryhub.org/education/primary-secondary-schools/secondary-school-worksheets/ and eChook News is available by subscription, or archived on the website at http://www.poultryhub.org/echook-news/
The Course Performance Descriptors for Primary Industries are available for download at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/primary-industries-pbd.html
Howard Kennedy, the BOS TAS Inspector for the last 10+ years, has been promoted. He has been replaced by Peter Thompson. His contact details are:
Peter Thompson Inspector, Technology Education Office of the Board of Studies Ph: 02 9367 8454 Fax: 02 9367 8476 mob: 0427 590 821 Level 6, 117 Clarence Street, Sydney 2000 (GPO Box 5300, Sydney 2001 [email protected] www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
EggGrabnGrade! - CRC launches an iTunes app Titled Egg Grab’n’Grade, the resource is available as a FREE download within Australia. Egg Grab’n’Grade illustrates the different types of eggs that are removed on a grading floor. It shows how eggs make their way from hen houses where they are laid, through the grading floor, to a packing station where they are put into cartons, and then on to shop shelves. Players must identify the cracked, dirty, misshaped, undersized or oversized eggs and move them to the appropriate ‘buckets’, while leaving the good eggs to go through to packing. The game includes a comprehensive tutorial about each egg type, and includes a number of factoids about eggs.
The National Farmers Federation have a 34 page booklet of facts and figures about Australian agriculture entitled “Farm Facts 2012”. You can download your copy at: http://www.nff.org.au/farm-facts.html
For those teachers in the north of the state, the University of Queensland, Gatton Campus is holding a Professional Development Day for teachers on Wednesday 2 October from 8.30 – 4.00. The day will include practical workshops led by UQ Academics who are specialists in their field of science and agriculture. It is a free course and you can express your interest and get more details by contacting Alison Beaty on 07 3236 3100 or emailing [email protected]
86 Get on the BAAT bandwagon
The Yamaha remote-controlled Spray Rig
Conference Dinner Tomaree High School
Sally, Jim and Boyd