ALFA's Community Heroes Award, sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, is back for the fourth year running. This heart-warming award recognises and rewards feedlots across Australia for their outstanding contributions to local communities and the environment.
The overall winner will receive a $5,000 cash donation that can be directed towards a local charity, business, or feedlot initiative, further enriching their communities.
Camm Ag supports the Quinalow State School's Agricultural Project
By Kate Stark
Students are flocking to sign up to the Quinalow State School's Agricultural Project, proudly sponsored by Camm Agricultural Group (CAG).
Thanks to CAG’s contribution, students have been able to attend the Royal Brisbane Show for the first time, as well as a trip to BEEF2024 in Rockhampton.
Support has also come in the form of a number of funding packages, sponsored trips and excursions.
This has enhanced the school's program and also led to students undertaking work experience placements at CAG, with more showing interest for the coming year.
Quinalow State School's agricultural science and vocational education teacher Brooke Cuddihy developed the program after starting at the school in 2020 and has seen student numbers increase from three, to 39.
“It started as a small program, which involved students from Prep-Year 10 attending once a week for the Cows Create Careers program, and has developed and grown every year,” she said.
“From there, the program has grown with the addition of many curriculum developments and infrastructure.”
Ms Cuddihy developed a curriculum in 2022 which involves the students learning theoretical components, as well as the practical skills involved in the ag industry.
“It covers various industries including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, layer and broiler chickens, cropping, vegetable production and soil management. I also developed the extra curricular Cattle Show Team which is open to students in year 4-10 to break in, prepare and show cattle at agricultural shows."
“Our show team has been extremely successful at both local shows and at larger events, including Farmfest and Ekka.”
This year, Ms Cuddihy said she was able to register the school as a training organisation and now delivers four certificate courses as part of the Year 10 program.
“These certificates include Cert I in Agriculture, Cert II in Active Volunteering, Cert II in Applied Digital Technologies and Cert II in Financial Services.
“We are currently the only registered Prep-10 school on the Darling Downs offering these VET programs.
“Our program is growing every year and will continue to do so to ensure our students are receiving educational experiences that are up to date and relevant to the ag industry.
“With the continued support of Camm Ag, we are able to keep providing these experiences and opportunities.”
Ms Cuddihy said the updated infrastructure and curriculum at the school has been instrumental in helping to build student numbers.
“Many of these students have remained at the school due to them being able to participate in the ag program and cattle show team while in these younger grades as many high schools do not offer these until Year 8 or higher.”
Ms Cuddihy said generous donations from CAG have also helped her expand the curriculum to include cattle handling.
“They have donated all the fencing equipment to allow for the expansion of the ag area paddock to allow us to increase our livestock numbers at the school.
“This included a water trough, steel end assemblies, steel pickets, wire and a hay ring.
“This expansion would not have happened for many years without the support of Camm Ag who are also coming on board with helping us to develop our feeding program for our cattle.”
Ms Cuddihy said seeing the smiles on student’s faces is the icing on the cake.
“Seeing how excited the Prep students are to go down to the yards, or the excitement on the highschool students faces when they have mastered a practical skill.
“I couldn't be more proud than when people from the community approach me and say how well our students have performed, whether it is in an academic program or in the cattle show team.
“They are the future of our agricultural industry, and if I can help foster and develop their interest in the industry then who knows what exciting things they may offer the ag industry in the future. “
With overwhelming support from the school and local community Ms Cuddihy said it has been amazing to see the staff, students and parents work together.
“It has been a group effort and I am truly thankful to have such a wonderful school and community supporting this program.”
A spokesperson for CAG said the initiative has had a profound impact on both the community and Camm Agricultural Group's feedlot operations.
“By investing in Quinalow State School's Agricultural Project, CAG has fostered a deeper connection with the local community, inspiring young minds to pursue careers in agriculture,” they said.
“This collaboration has strengthened educational outcomes at the school and provided hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“Moreover, hosting students from the program for work placements enriches the feedlot's workforce pipeline, ensuring a skilled future generation passionate about agriculture and equipped with practical experience.”
About the ALFA Community Heroes Award
Camm Ag has entered the ALFA Community Heroes Award which recognises and rewards feedlots which are actively nourishing their community and environment. The winner, announced at BeefEx in October, will receive a $5,000 cash donation towards a local charity, business, or feedlot initiative to assist in further development and impact of the initiative.
With thanks to our ALFA Platinum Member sponsor, Lallemand Animal Nutrition for their support of this Award.
