For several years McAuley Park Farm, the centre of agricultural learning at MLMC, has accomplished significant milestones despite its small size. Recently, a wonderful new development has led to a significant increase in capacity and our ability to deliver programs.Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead, a centre of history and education programs within the Yarra Valley, has provided the College with additional paddocks and grazing land for our flock of sheep. This exciting new partnership means that we now have the ability to run and expand our sheep-breeding program. Most importantly, this venue will be another destination for our Young Farmers Club members to develop skills and put into practice all they have learned about agriculture.
As a result of this additional land, we recently invested in a second breed of sheep to complement our wonderful Romney. With the arrival last week of three Babydoll Southdown ewes and one ram, we also hope to breed this unique and rare sheep. An old heritage breed, Babydolls have a very small stature. They are so short, in fact, that they can graze in vineyards and orchards all year round without damaging the fruit. They are also a short-fleece sheep, with very different wool characteristics to the Romney, and they are remarkably hardy. The two breeds should complement each other well within the program.
The school would like to thank Alvin and Jill Sebire for their wonderful support in providing the land at Mont De Lancey for our program to flourish. Mont De Lancey is certainly a place worth visiting for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of Yarra Valley Heritage. We would also like to thank John Frisina from Landmark Wandin, who has enthusiastically organised vital equipment sponsorship from Bayer Crop Care to support the new venture. Please do thank John next time you visit Landmark Wandin for all of his wonderful support of our Young Farmers.
