Increasing students knowledge of the merino industry and giving them the opportunity to explore the agricultural industry was the aim of the School Wethers Challenge.
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Held at the Dubbo TAFE campus along Narromine Road, on Monday, February 20, the students and their agricultural teachers were split into four groups which focuses on wool, nutrition, breeding and an industry overview.
Over 200 students from across the central west took part in the challenge.
This was the first time Tullamore Central School have participated in the School Wethers Challenge 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 in the Challenge and it’s just a great opportunity to be a part of,” she said.
Ms Shankelton said coming from a dorper background herself, this would also be a learning opportunity for her too.
Her Tullamore students, Jack Darcy, Angus Porter and Lachlan Curr all 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 just under an hour away from Dubbo, it was a good day trip out for her Year 9 and 10 student, Jacana Powell, Demi Dunn and Abbie Fraser .
“It’s also just a great way to support local breeders and farmers,” Ms Dorman said.
Gilgandra High School students Robyn Holland, Tianna Watt and Shanae Shepherd, don’t come from an agricultural background, but all are passionate about the industry.
“I like working with the animals and the practical side of the course,” Tianna Watt said.