Longy students gain valuable industry experience

Article courtesy of Wimmera Mallee News and The Weekly Advertiser

Longerenong College Certificate IV in Wool Classing students have gained valuable hands-on industry experience at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, thanks to the support of the Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association.

Longerenong College Wool Classing students with Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association representatives.

Longerenong College Certificate IV in Wool Classing students have gained valuable hands-on industry experience at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, thanks to the support of the Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association.

The students participated in fleece and ram judging competitions held in the Dohne Merino Marquee, where they assessed Dohne Merino fleeces before later judging Dohne rams.

As part of the competition, students were also required to deliver oral presentations outlining and justifying their judging decisions.

Longerenong College Wool Classing Trainer Craig Mackley said the event provided an outstanding opportunity for students to apply their skills in a real-world setting.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain practical industry experience,” Mr Mackley said.

“The Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association has been a great supporter of the next generation of wool classers and continues to run an excellent education program at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show each year.”

Mr Mackley praised the students for their professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the competition.

“They all represented themselves and the College exceptionally well.

“Experiences like this are incredibly valuable for building both skills and confidence, and play an important role in preparing the next generation of wool classers for the industry,” he said.

Competition results saw Megan Bird, of Tasmania, take out the fleece judging award, while Thomas Minchinton, of Gherang, was named the winner of the ram judging competition.

Longerenong College encourages anyone interested in pursuing a career in agriculture to attend its Annual Open Day on Sunday, August 9, from 9am to 3pm.

Registrations are available at longy.com.au.

Longerenong College trainer Craig Mackley with students Thomas Minchinton and Gabriella Parsons at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

Archie Sudholz presents his judging results.

Delilah Harris (Gold Coast) and Megan Bird (Tasmania) look at the fleeces.

Thomas Minchinton, of Gherang, was the winner of the sheep judging, and Megan Bird, of Tasmania, the winner of the fleece judging.

Longerenong College Certificate IV Wool Classing students with trainer Craig Mackley, above, judge fleeces and sheep in the Dohne merino pavilion at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo earlier this month.