In early October, year 9 students from Catherine McAuley College received some expert instruction from Peter English (Moorabbee Polwarths) and Alan Harris from Koole Vale Merinos. Alan is also President of the Victorian Stud Merino sheep Breeders Association and an executive member of the Australian Sheep Breeders Association.
Alan gave a shearing demonstration while Peter and teacher Scott Vaughan, tutored the students in picking up, throwing and skirting fleeces.
Earlier in the year, the college had purchased a dozen wethers from Peter for their agricultural program. The college program is also supported by Fairview Polwarths, who each year loan the college 12 ewes in lamb, so that the students can gain first-hand experience with lambing.
Crutching the ewes and shearing the wethers provided a perfect opportunity for the keen students to have a go at using a handpiece and for others to practice handling the shorn fleece.
