GSSC students and staff with visiting sponsors.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Prince Sparkle’s coat doesn’t quite shine like his name suggests, but it sure is lusciously thick and impressive.
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He’s one of the heavier of six Merino sheep that’s been farmed by Greater Shepparton Secondary College Year 10 agricultural students over the past six months.
The half-dozen herd — made up of Barry, Larry, Cheds, Mad Bob, Porkie and Prince Sparkle, ranging in weight from 69.4kg to 89.6kg — is heading for the Victorian Central Highlands town of Clunes for the Victorian Merino Wether Challenge on August 25.
There, the animals and their handlers will be judged on highest value fleece, highest value carcass, best presented, most engaged school and broad-sashed grand champion, against 14 other schools from around the state.
The challenge is now in its third year.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College won the championship the first two years.
Year 10 students Maddie Ellis and Alexa Sharp with two of the six project sheep.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Now, this year’s cohort of ag students hopes to back it up again.
Each of the 14 schools were given six wethers from Kerrilyn Merino Stud, Dunluce, six months ago, to give students hands-on experience for a glimpse into the sheep and wool industry and an even playing field for competition.
Students and teachers are tasked with taking care of their nutrition and feeding, looking after their foot health, teeth condition and wool characteristics.
They’ve learned about animal health and husbandry, and how to handle the lively livestock.
Sheep Mad Bob was on show at Greater Shepparton Secondary College before heading to Clunes for judging.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Around 10 agricultural students will present their own sheep in Clunes, while also getting the opportunity to hear from industry experts and look into further education and career options.
The college held a sponsors’ event on Wednesday, August 12 to thank contributors for providing feed, bedding, transport and other support for the program.
Agricultural and horticultural teacher Charlotte Drinnan addressed their guests.
“Budgets are tight in schools,” Ms Drinnan said.
“Without the generous donations of community, we probably wouldn’t be going to Clunes.”
Student Maddi Ellis, 15, said it had been her first experience working with sheep.
“In Year 9, we looked after chooks, but this is my first time looking after sheep,” she said.
“I’ve liked looking after them. We’ve learned about their behaviour, nutrition, infection prevention, health, just how to care for them.”
Sponsors were treated to a lunch prepared by the secondary college’s Year 12 hospitality program after a presentation of the sheep by the Year 10 ag students.
The program is supported by AWI, Australian Sheep Breeders Association and Victorian Merino Sheep Breeders Association.
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