​Andy Powell and James Maxwell (WCB) were invited into the Year 7/8 science elective Cows Create Careers students’ classroom to explain about the role of starch and fiber in a cow’s diet and how it was balanced in a dairy cow’s daily ration. Our guests described the different feed requirements of a cow at various stages of her lactation and the importance of fully feeding cows. Students determined balanced rations for a milking cow including the DM (Dry Matter) of grass, turnips, wheat, silage etc and even balanced the rations for a student’s dairy herd to reinforce their understanding of the topic. 

At the invitation of DairyTas and the University of Tasmania - School of Land and Food, we were invited to present the TAP model to  participants at the Tasmanian Agricultural Education Network’s workshop on “Engaging students in STEM using Agriculture”. Teachers, career advisors and industry personnel learnt first hand from researchers and industry leaders about careers in agriculture and the potential to engage students with the challenge issued to participants to TAP into their own communities and regions for inspiration. Thanks for the invitation to participate in such a stimulating workshop and the great resources!

​The VCAL students explored the Sungold Field Days to investigate the latest ideas, technology and innovations available in the agricultural sector and made aware of various career paths and options as they toured the Field Day site. 

​Our lavender crop flowered late over the 2016/2017 summer but plentiful blooms have finally been harvested by an army of willing helpers which included students in Years 7-10 and with thanks also extended to Rosalie, Gemma, Phil, Jason, and Kate. Some of the florets have been used to distil lavender oil whilst bunches of flowers are drying out as students determine what they will produce from this season’s crop.