Cropping & Soil
1 December, 2025
College plot broadens knowledge
GLENORMISTON College recently opened its doors to unite industry experts with prominent local farmers in a bid to gain a deeper understanding of forage options for the season ahead.
South West TAFE hosted a Spring Field Day in collaboration with Glenormiston College and leading agricultural partners such as the Terang Co-Op Rural Store, AGF Seeds and Philmac.
Earlier this year, the old football oval at the college was transformed into a thriving demonstration plot so students could observe and document the growth of crops in a practical capacity.
Almost fourth months on, the site hosted the Spring Field Day which centred around the new seeding project – providing an opportunity for farmers and students alike to learn more thanks to the addition of the new plot.
South West TAFE casual agronomy teacher Rob Durant said the day highlighted the positives which emerged when private business collaborated with public education.
“The Spring Field Day is a combination of various business entities which have all come together to get these demonstration plots organised,” he said.
“This is all primarily for the students to benefit when they come to Glenormiston College, giving them an opportunity to get hands on and watch the growth of these plots.
“They’re able to identify different grasses and clovers. We thought why not have a field day for farmers, so that’s how that started.”
Mr Durant said there was a strong turnout on the day, highlighting the necessity in making sound decisions as a difficult season ahead looms due to the ongoing pressures of the drought.
“Spring is such a busy time for farmers with silage and hay but to have so many people in attendance on the day was great because a lot of them were very interested and knowledgeable when it came to pastures and production for dairy or sheep,” he said.
“There’s quite a variety of different grasses, clovers and mixed species plots for people to look at.
“The businesses represented at the field day brought a wealth of knowledge, and the farmers learnt a lot.”
Mr Durant said the plot had been a welcome addition to enhance education at the facility and heighten industry understanding, which he said was all credit to the support from site owner Dean Montgomery – who had given his blessing for the chance to be made at the oval.
“We’re very pleased,” he said.
“Dean Montgomery owns the whole facility and he’s allowed this to happen.
“We’re very appreciative of him.”
