The 2020 Hay Inc Rural Education Program 2020 participants returned for their third and final training block in November due to the postponement in June.
The program commenced with a casual dinner and catch up with trainers and mentors in Hay on the Sunday evening.
Fence construction and maintenance was the first day of the hands on training program with a new fence erected for the Hay Golf Club.
"It was a great opportunity for Hay Inc to support the local community," Sandy Symons said.
Mr Simons is the Hay Inc committee vice-chairperson and with his son Ben Symons AgFence Fencing Contractors team organised the fence and donated their time and tuition, Elders Hay and Waratah Fencing also supported the project.
The group then did some fence repair and maintenance at Shear Outback.
The following day was a very informative and practical day commencing with cattle handling at the Ives family property "Glencoe".
The training included low stress stock handling, calf marking and management presented by Jim Ives, Richard Cannon and Matt Ireson. Cameron Clark Ultrasound also attended with a great demonstration on pregnancy testing cattle.
The afternoon at "Rosevale" involved all participants taking part in lamb post mortems with Dr Sophie Hemley District Vet and Suzie Holbery from Local Land Services.
The final day commenced with prime lamb assessment and sheep nutrition at the Hay Field Station with Shane McGufficke and Rob Inglis from Elders along with Stuart Hodgson and George Lehmann from Australian Wool Innovation who also assisted in the afternoon with Merino Sheep Classing.
This was held at the Rollinson family property "Goolgumbla" with Chris Bowman. The Hay Inc participants also put their skills to the test with a group junior judging competition.
The winner was announced at the graduation dinner held that evening with Madelyn Jones-Hinds taking first position and Kasey Mullighan second.
The Mathew Vick Scholarship was awarded to Molly Thompson.
Professional videographer Hamish Siddins of Square Fish Productions attended the training days capturing footage to put together a promotional video which will be used to promote the program and encourage more young people into a career in agriculture.
Local Hay photographer Margie McClelland was also there to capture images for marketing and a new Hay Inc web site.
- Applications are now being finalised for the 2021 program, to find out more contact.
- Sandra Ireson, Hay Inc Rural Education Program Manager - Ph: 0439 938119 Email: info@hayinc.com.au
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