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Wokalup Farm PDF Print E-mail

This site comprises of an area of 948 Ha of which 60 is irrigated for perennial pasture and horticulture pursuits, with the remaining 880 Ha of dry “hill” country used for extensive grazing.

Dairy

In 2001, the College commissioned a state of the art 10 a side rapid exit dairy, milking 145 Holstein Friesian cows from an approximate 200 head herd. Full production figures are maintained with computer controlled supplementary feeding and integrated identification systems. Systems to detect heat and alliance with the national identification scheme are being investigated.

Females are inseminated both naturally and artificially and the dairy complex provides perfect opportunity for training purposes. As a result of this the dairy  has developed a 150 Calf enterprise which includes Friesian and Angus Cross.

Beef

The beef herd consists of approximately 550 Angus base breeders.  The progeny of the commercial herd are sold to various markets.  A feed lot trial occurs during the year of which the students are involved in. 

Students are also  involved in the preparation and showing of stud and commercial cattle at different venues during the year.

Sheep

The College sheep comprise of  400 fine wool Merino and offspring, 400 Performance Bred Merino ewes and offspring which are  mated primarily to Poll Dorsett rams for Prime Lamb Production.  Students are trained in general sheep husbandry, shearing and wool handling.

Viticulture

The viticulture section includes table grape varieties mainly Crimson and Red Globe grown under net. Wokalup houses a unique source of grape root stock and wine varieties. The wine grapes provide the foundation for a relationship between local wine makers and the College. Commercial cuttings are sold for rootstock.

Students are taught all aspects of vine management including pruning, budding and grafting. The College's first vintage from grapes grown at Wokalup went on sale for the first time in 2004

Horticulture

College staff provide opportunity for landscape horticulture where students learn the basics of propagation and maintenance. Seedlings grown are used in a semi commercial market garden.

Students are involved with Hydroponics, market garden and nurseries along with a small olive grove.

An extensive citrus orchard involving Late Lanes, Navellina and Valencia oranges exist and the fruit sold in the commercial arena. 500 Imperial mandarins were planted in 2001 to compliment the current orchard and 1000 Late Lanes planted in 2000. There is also a variety of citrus grown - Lemons, Grapefruit, Tangellos etc. known as the "Fruit Salad Orchard".

Cropping

Students are involved in pasture establishment and renovation, meadow hay production and summer cropping. Dry land and irrigation cropping techniques are demonstrated. Vegetables are sometimes grown to supply other Agricultural College residential requirements.

Poultry

Approximately 300 Hyline tint and Hyline grey make up  the poultry section. They are housed in a  deep litter barn style free range facility at Wokalup. producing eggs for the College kitchen and commercial markets

Aquaculture

The College have a small Aquaculture section at Wokalup, which they are currently expanding for students to be involved in the caring and breeding of a variety of fish.

Equine

Students have always been able to bring their horses onto College grounds for recreational purposes.  Semester 2 2008 the College introduced Equine Section as part of farm, 4 units of competencies are offered to students with horses at the College.  There are enough paddocks to house 16 horses at the old dairy at the town site,  an arena and roundyard.

General

Students develop skills in tractor driving, four wheel motorbikes and various implements associated with general farming practice. Welding, fencing and machinery repairs form the basis of this section.

 

 
logo_notext WA College of Agriculture Harvey
James Stirling Place
Harvey Western Australia
ph 0897290500 fax 0897290528