Monaro Stationhand Challenge

Forum on 3 March 2023

The forum is a broad ranging discussion on current issues and research updates and application at a farm reference.

Stationhand Challenge on 4 March 2023

The Objective of the Merino Stationhand Challenge is to find the stationhands that demonstrate accomplishment and confidence in the traditional skills, the initiative and understanding of the modern skills involving IT and OH&S and the temperament and understanding of animal behaviour to minimise stress on the stock and get them to “work with them”. Thus demonstrating the full range of skills required to work effectively in a progressive operation where knowledge of science, IT, the law, and social licence are as equally important as the traditional skills to be able to carry out their role successfully.

The Overall Structure - Skills to be Challenged

The skills to be tested fall into three broad categories:

• Traditional hands-on skills that underpin the daily operations of a Merino enterprise
• Modern science and IT skills required to improve performance and economy in the 21st century
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the laws, OH&S regulations, and social licence that ensures our right to farm.

Categories

There are three age classifications:

• Junior station hand - less than 18 years of age
• Jackaroo - 18 to 25 years of age
• Senior station hand / overseer - 26 years and older

Skills to be assessed

Overriding all of the assessment of skills is a demonstration of temperament, patience, foresight and respect for the animals they are handling and the respect for the equipment they are and using– this is a key assessment criteria that applies to all tasks assessed.