Peel spending $350 a week to keep stock

The school is spending $350 a week on feed for their prize suffolk sheep stud, as well as 20 head of cattle.

While the suffolks were never considered going to market the cattle had been, although agriculture teacher Ben Bowman said it was an easy decision, and for a number of reasons.

“Being prepared for drought is a huge aspect of agriculture these days, although we get to play a bit differently, our focus is on education first,” Mr Bowman said.

“Stock are a long term investment, and the students have put a lot of work into them so we always wanted to keep the cows and calves going.

“Even if we did put them to market, at the moment we wouldn’t be getting much for them, and then if things turn around in spring we would have to replace them and prices will be going back up – the best decision was to hold them.” 

While there are almost no winners during a drought, the school has found a silver lining in being able to deliver not only drought theory, but a lot of practical work as well with the 300 students engaged in agricultural studies.

Most days of the week select students stay behind to help feed and maintain the stock as well, giving the sheep lucerne hay and pellets, while the cattle are on oaten hay, and cotton seed mixed with molasses and pollard.

“We always look at management and welfare of stock in all conditions, although, unfortunately, we have been able to turn the drought into an educational opportunity as well – putting all that theory into practice,” Mr Bowman said.

“We have just got to get through these hard times, and then look at the good times, hopefully in spring.”

Principal Rod Jones is taking the extra funds from “all areas of the school”, weighing up the immediate costs against the educational benefits and learning opportunities.