05 Mar 2025
Our Year 10 and Year 12 Ag students came together to cut, rake, dry and bale hay in preparation for the cooler months.
The project was the maiden voyage of the school’s new hay baler which arrived from Queensland late last term. There were some teething problems right out of the box which inspired a reread of the instruction manual and a reassembly, but after that, the new toy was ready to go.
The paddock, comprising of lucerne and clover, was locked off from the sheep over the summer holidays. The students then worked to cut and rake the growth and left it in the sun to dry for just over a week. The baler finally came through and after two loose, practice bundles, it spat out some industry grade bales.
“We spend a fortune every year on hay,” explains Ag teacher Mark Duncan, “So the aim here is to try and cut our costs. Especially with the school wether competition coming up.”
“The students definitely learned some problem solving trying to set up the baler,” adds Mr Duncan, “But it’s all good practice for the industry.”
