Twenty eight students from across northern NSW made their way to the property Europambela in Walcha this week to take part in the triennial Rotary Youth in Agriculture Sheep Camp.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Built in 1861, Europambela is regarded as one of the most historically significant pastoral properties in the New England region, important for its homestead, its gardens and landscape setting, woolshed and shearers quarters, racecourse and outbuildings.
The event is part of an initiative started by Rotary District 9650 in 2004 to inspire high school students to pursue a career in the agricultural industry.
Each Rotary club hosts a camp with a different focus, from cattle (Coonabarabran) through to cotton (Moree), and Walcha’s expertise is in sheep.
Sixteen schools sent students to stay in the sheep station’s shearing quarters and take part in various workshops conducted by leaders in pasture, wool and animal management.
Rotary District 9650 Governor Harry Durey said many former RYAG participants are now agriculture teachers.
“That is why they encourage students to take part whenever a RYAG event takes place,” he said.
“This is an inspirational program for students interested in the sheep industry. During their stay, they are given the latest knowledge and technology within the sheep industry and visit innovative sheep farming operations.”