Stirling to Coast Farmers (SCF) is a membership based farmer led organisation, with a membership of over 85 farm businesses representing over 250 farmers and their families.  Collectively they manage approximately 400 000 ha from Frankland to Wellstead, Stirling Ranges to Coast. They focus on research and development with a wide variety of trials being implemented which includes Crop Updates, Winter and Spring Field days, as well as workshops on crops, pastures and livestock. Stirlings to Coast Farmers (SCF) is looking to the future as it develops a partnership with the WA College of Agriculture, Denmark.

On Friday 11th May SCF launched a new Student Membership and Mentoring program in partnership with the College. CEO of SCF, Dr. Christine Kershaw launched the program at the College in a presentation to College students and staff.

Dr. Kershaw said, “Stirlings to Coast Farmers is proud to support the youth and the future of the agricultural industry by providing better links between farmers and agricultural students…The program includes a membership package enabling the students to learn about SCF, our members and agricultural research through our newsletter, Trials Review booklet and targeted presentations and demonstrations by SCF staff and sponsors in the Agricultural Industry.”

Principal Steve Swallow said that he hoped the initiative will create more connections between farmers and agriculture students and will hopefully lead to more young people considering a career in the agricultural industry.

Future plans for the project include extending the Student Membership to other local schools with an Agriculture focus and conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations with the students.  Students will also have the opportunity to take part in work experience placement at the SCF office, and later with interested SCF members.”

Year 11 equestrian student Ashleigh Prichard recently represented the College in the “Saddles Plus” State Inter-school Equestrian Championships at Brigadoon.  This Statewide event offers levels of competition in Dressage, Show Jumping, Combined Training and Show Horses.

Ashleigh entered the event in the “Participation Competition” for grass-roots school aged-competitors and placed in several  of the classes during the 3 days of competition,  including 4th in the jumping, 4th overall in working hunter and  5th in the dressage.

This is a fantastic result for both Ashleigh and the College as this is the biggest equestrian event for WA riders in their primary or secondary years and performances in this year’s event may also be used toward the 2019 State Championship.

A/Principal Steve Swallow said “In discussion with the College’s Equine Manager, Elissa Forbes, the College is now looking to expanding student involvement for its equestrian students, at this event and other events in 2019.”

Read all about the College operations and achievements in the 2017 Annual Report, now located on the website under the “For Parents” tab.

The Annual Report provides a means of reporting on the College’s accomplishments over the year and how these, have in turn benefited the students. It also provides comprehensive financial reporting that demonstrates how the College’s finances were managed, in addition to reporting against the Business Management Plan in meeting strategic objectives throughout 2017.

https://www.denmarkag.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Annual-Report-2017-1.pdf

The WA College of Agriculture-Denmark is currently advertising for a Technical Officer Agricultural Instruction – Sheep Enterprise. Level 1.5 to Level 1.8

This is a great opportunity for someone with sheep industry experience.

The College is looking for someone who can demonstrate vocational competence at Cert III level in agriculture with a focus on the sheep industry and associated activities and hold (or be willing to obtain) a Cert IV in Training & Assessment.

The position closes on Friday 16 March 2018 at 4.30pm (position number 00004759)

Applications need to be submitted online https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php…

If you’d like to discuss anything regarding this position please contact Kevin Osborne by telephoning 98480200 or emailing Kevin.Osborne@education.wa.edu.au

The College is currently advertising for a full-time Dairy Agricultural Technical Officer Level 1-3.  This is a great opportunity for someone to take over the day-to-day management of our robotic dairy enterprise.  You don’t have to have experience working in a robotic dairy; the College is looking for someone who has worked in a commercial dairy, enjoys training young people and can work as part of our team.

Free housing, including all utilities, is available on site in lieu of a shared on-call responsibility.

The position closes on Friday 16 February at 4pm.

Applications need to be submitted online at www.jobs.gov.wa

If you’d like to discuss anything regarding this position please contact Kevin Osborne, Principal, by telephoning 98480200 or emailing Kevin.Osborne@education.wa.edu.au

Agricultural College Scholarship

Every year the Shire of Denmark Council makes available an Agricultural College Scholarship to encourage and assist a Year 10 student attending the Denmark District High School or a Year 10 student residing in the Denmark Shire to pursue higher education at the WA College of Agriculture – Denmark.

We are pleased to announce that Thomas Darwin was the successful candidate for the Shire of Denmark Agricultural Scholarship. Shire Councillor Ian Osborne presented Thomas with the award after being selected as the worthy recipient by the Shire Council. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is most likely to pursue agricultural pursuits within the Shire’s boundaries into the future.

Year 11 Agriculture Studies student Gareth Korpel has been announced as the winner of the Denmark Chamber of Commerce Business Management Award “For outstanding levels of participation and achievement in Business Management”, flanked by Principal Kevin Osborne and member of the DCC committee, Chris Langslow.

Gareth is pictured with Principal Mr Kevin Osborne, and Chris Langslow, committee member from the Denmark Chamber of Commerce.

Country Hours Bridget Fitzgerald was the guest speaker at the WACoA-Denmark Graduation on 17 November 2017. Bridget, journalist and presenter on ABC Country Hour gave an enlightening and enjoyable presentation about her journey towards her current career…her sound advice to graduating students as they make their way towards their own careers…“Ask lots of questions”.

The graduation ceremony is an auspicious event for the College. It places importance in expressing the values of the College and honouring the group of individuals graduating on the day, all of whom enjoy the opportunity to demonstrate their achievements throughout the year.

The number of presentations of Scholarships and Awards is indicative of the support for the College’s scholarship program which includes support from such dignitaries as Hon. Dr Sally Talbot MLC, Hon. Terry Redman, MLA and member for Warren Blackwood, Mr. Rick Wilson MP and Member for O’Connor and relevant Associations and local business.

Several prestigious scholarships and awards were presented, signifying the high level of talent and leadership qualities among students at the WA College of Agriculture – Denmark and the support by both the agricultural and educational sector. Principal, Kevin Osborne said, “The scholarship program recognises agricultural college students with a strong interest in the industry, and strives to support their growth and development within their chosen agricultural field.”

Amongst the many scholarships and awards presented on the day, Bradley Kammann was announced College Dux 2017 for the student with the highest achievement in all course areas in Year 12 along with several other major awards, while graduating student Lacy McAlinden and Year 10 student Deahna Keam were awarded the Australian Defence Force 2017 Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards, recognising outstanding leadership qualities in these two students.

The highly prized Royal Agricultural Society Scholarship was awarded to Year 11 student Lily Loessl, while the WA Farmers Agricultural Ambassador Scholarship went to Year 11 ATAR student Mikayla Moolman.  College Captain Shannon Hull received the Top VET/Academic Student Award for excellence in vocational education training.