SIXTY-FOUR teams of Merino wethers from 38 high schools state-wide will hit the judging mats at this year’s Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show and Ram Sale in August for the National Merino School Wether Challenge.
Merino wethers were in the past donated by various studs and their clients to help high school students grow their knowledge of the Merino industry. However, this year the NSW Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association has stepped in to purchase the necessary number of wethers for the schools.
Rabobank National committee chairman, Matthew Coddington, Roseville Park stud, Dubbo, said this year all wethers have been sourced from the same commercial flock and all 192 head were purchased by the association from the Kater family’s “Egelabra” flock, Warren. This means the schools now have an equal footing in the competition because all the wethers are from the one source.
“Coming from one flock gives equal opportunity to each school and at the competition’s end after wethers are sold, proceeds of purchase and other costs will be subtracted and any surplus will be distributed to the schools,” he said.
To kick-start the competition 115 students were introduced to their wethers (three head to a team) during an education and induction day at Western TAFE agricultural complex, Dubbo last week.
“The wether challenge gives students the opportunity to also explore the agricultural industry,” Mr Coddington said. “Students and their teachers were split into groups that focused on wool, nutrition, breeding, selection and industry overview.”
This is the first time Tullamore Central School has participated and agriculture teacher Natasha Shankelton said taking part would give her students a lot more exposure to Merino wool and the meat industry.
“It’s our first year and it’s just a great opportunity to be a part of it,” she said.
Coming from a Dorper background, Ms Shankelton said the project would be a learning opportunity for her.
Her students, Jack Darcy, Angus Porter and Lachlan Curr said they were interested in the Merino industry.
“It’s been great to learn about the different sheep traits,” Jack Darcy said.
Trangie Central School agricultural teacher Ali Dorman said being close to Dubbo made for a good day trip for her Year 9 and 10 students, Jacana Powell, Demi Dunn and Abbie Fraser.
Gilgandra High School students Robyn Holland, Tianna Watt and Shanae Shepherd, don’t come from an agricultural background, but each is passionate about the industry.
“I like working with the animals and the practical side of the course,” Tianna Watt said.
