STUDENTS from Wagga Christian College are showing an enthusiasm for the agricultural industry despite the cancellation of some of our biggest events.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions means that country, and royal shows are off and many social gatherings can no longer run.
However, the agricultural activities at the Christian College in Wagga appear to be going full steam ahead.
Senior agriculture teacher at the college, Belinda Everingham said she was excited about the growth of student participation in agriculture.
"It is a joy to watch students grow in their understanding of how to care for animals," she said.
"The students' enthusiasm for this area of their learning extends to them spending break times working with the sheep and cattle and taking an active interest in the growth of crops they have planted with their own hands," she said.
"I am thrilled that industry is working around current restrictions to continue to allow students participation in events, giving them valuable industry feedback on their hard work."
Currently students are preparing for a modified, hoof and hook competition being run by Royal Melbourne Show after the event, in the original format, was quashed due to coronavirus restrictions.
Students have also been enhancing their education through the 2020 School Merino Wether Challenge.
WETHER CHALLENGE: In March 2020 senior agriculture students participated in workshops run by the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association, Australian Wool Innovation and Bralca.
The students expanded their knowledge of nutrition, estimated breeding value score (EBVs) and wool and meat judging.
At the conclusion of the day the school received seven Merino wethers to care for in preparation of the second day of the challenge - the judging of their meat and wool.
With attendance at the Sheep and Wool Expo at Deniliquin no longer possible the wethers are being transported to Jerilderie to be judged and then processed at the Fletcher International, Dubbo.
The students will have the ability to watch the initial judging process through a live stream, receiving feedback on the work they have put in.
HOOF AND HOOK COMPETITION: Seven steers have been broken in, brushed, feed and cared for by members of the cattle team.
The steers will be entered in a hoof and hook competition at Yea, Victoria, which was organised after Melbourne Royal was cancelled.
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