NNNorthern Valley News
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
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2013
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Cattle club shines in the show ring
L-R CAC Statue Hill Hugo held by Tamara Gibson, Derrick Whittaker , Billi Marshall holding CAC Statue Hill Hero and Kevin Marshall. Cattle club members absent; Graham Maitland-Smith, Albert Bookham, Jake Dimivitis and Robert Fitzgerald.
Tamieka Preston
and the hook.
The seven student members of the cattle club at the Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College and their mentor, Kevin Marshall are riding high after multiple successes in the show ring this year.
Although farm manager Kevin Marshall is happy to attribute the string of ribbons to his dedicated students who spend several hours each day taking care of the cattle at the college farm, it’s clear they owe much to his watchful tutelage and careful management.
After fantastic results at the Perth Royal show, which saw the students shine in the parading and judging competitions, CAC cattle dominated at the Bindoon Agricultural show, taking out Supreme Champion British breed as well as Grand Champion steer in the cattle auction, proving the consistency of the herd both on the hoof
gingin
A former shearer, Kevin taught at Morawa Agricultural College before taking up tenure at CAC in 2003, where he has run the 2000 hectare property as a fully operational mixed commercial farm, as well as taking year 11 and 12’s through their Cert 2 in Agricultural Studies, and running the cattle club.
$560,000
Lennard Brook
This near-new 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom Queenslander style homestead is situated on a picturesque 2.38 acre block. Built in 2012, this property boasts jarrah floors, reversecycle air conditioning, fully insulated walls and ceilings, a 5KW solar power system and a 3000lt water tank. Adjacent to the house is a 10m x 15m shed. Half of this shed has been converted, making it ideal for a teenage retreat, games room or accommodation. TOM CABASSI 0429 095 864
His rules for belonging to the cattle club are both strict and fair, and he operates a zero tolerance regime, demanding a high level of respect and attention from students if they wish to remain a part. He has seen all types through his cow shed over the years, many finding their membership enough incentive to labour through their academic classes, for the reward of time
E: cabassirealty@bigpond.com W: www.cabassirealty.com
spent with the animals. And whilst the purpose of the club is to teach kids the skills of parading and judging cattle along with the everyday management of stud cattle such as correct feeding, calf marking, tattooing, halter breaking and more, the benefits of greater self esteem, confidence, discipline and trust are the real qualities Kevin is breeding. Although he enjoys success in the ring, he says, “ It’s a combination of watching the students grow and develop and reach high goals that makes the job worthwhile.” Kevin finishes up at CAC at the end
of this year, as some of the farmland is due to be leased out from 2014. The college plans to reduce their operation to a teaching farm, with smaller herds and will cease commercial production. CAC principal Marie Barton said “Kevin has worked hard to increase the productivity of the land and the overall quality of the farming operations. His integrity, skills and work ethic will be sadly missed. Kevin and his family have been an integral part of the Catholic Agricultural College community for the past ten years and we wish them all the best in the future.”
$525,000
4 bed, 2 bath, large country kitchen, open plan lounge/dining and separate activity room for the kids. The huge back patio is perfect for entertaining and includes a Metters stove and sink, a sauna and sunken spa. It has a beautiful outlook over the lawn to the natural bushland behind with banksias, grass trees and wildflowers. There is a massive shed with two roller doors and an office, plus another shed high enough to accommodate a boat. TOM CABASSI 0429 095 864
4 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503
Ph: 08 9575 2566 Fax 08 9575 2568
Kevin believes in hands on learning and has no qualms about waking students in the dead of night to help pull a calf when necessary. “The kids would rather be in the mud, covered in blood, than anywhere else” he says.
Currently seeking homes for sale & rent in Bindoon & surrounds. Buyers looking for homes under $500,000 Tenants seeking homes up to $450 per week Great time to sell with minimal competition Call for a no obligation, free appraisal and confidential chat about your property options.
Liz – 0428 836 856
Amy – 0400 298 884
Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502 P: 08 9576 0626 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com