KELSO High Ag students will test their skills against 40 other schools across the state later this month, when they travel to Dubbo as part of the School Wether Challenge.
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Earlier this year, the ag students received seven merinos from Egelabra Stud, which they have cared for the past three months.
During that time, the students have not only had to care for the animals, they have been able to study the merino industry up close, look at the wool and learn about the breed.
Later this month they will take the animals back to the stud, where they will be judged on their fleece, body condition and afterwards killed and judged on their carcass.
Ag teacher at Kelso High, Jarrod Kelly said the program was a great way for the students to get real experience with the breed.
"It's especially beneficial for kids who don't come off the land; not everyone can run sheep," he said.
He also said it showed the students the difficulties of keeping live stock in the current drought conditions.
"At the moment its costing about $1 a kilogram for feed, we're looking at around $100 a week to feed them. It is good for the students to see the challenges which are being faced by the farmers at the moment," he said.
Year 11 student Sam McLeay said she learned a great deal through the program.
"I found out how to work sheep and about wool quality."
Lauren Hook said the program was a great way to learn about the animal's health.
