Cadet Blog

Hostel Butchers

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:40:11 +1200

Butchering is not your normal hostel job, unless you have a qualified butcher’s son in your midst. Jacob Coulston, through good luck or good management, happened to be on hostels with his senior Ben Te Kahika when a beast needed to be butchered for the cook house. The proposition was put to the two cadets, which they took on with enthusiasm. Before the day was up, Jake had the beast broken down and Ben had busily cut up all the stewing beef with time to spare for a cuppa!

Cadet Golfers

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:33:47 +1200

At the beginning of the month, we went to the Puha Golf Club for an afternoon golfing session with local Stock and Station agents. As cadets, we were accompanied by Leigh and Laurence and were glad to escape from the winter bog and frosts for a few hours. It was a great opportunity to meet the local people who teamed up with us for the afternoon. Jason Wyn-Harris’s tweed jacket didn’t seem to bring him any luck as he ended up in the water a few times. Mark (Chook) Bengston was quite lucky that air shots didn’t count as strokes or he would have taken 150 shots to get to some holes. Laurence led by example and hit the woolshed, just cleared a house and, in one shot, ended up flat on his back with the club going almost further than the ball. Leigh sunk a putt from 20 metres but seemed to have an invisible bungy tied from her club to the ball at times. We all had a great time with golf-swings varying from gifted to down-right dangerous, so thank you Puha Golf Club for the memorable outing.

Weekend work

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:06:05 +1300

Any Gisborne farmers with shearing, dagging, fencing etc. I'm sure the cadets will give you a competitive rate.

Ph 863 2896.

Cadets parents visit

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:40:21 +1300

Damp but happy during parents weekend

Over the weekend of March 19 and 20 we had a parents weekend with most families in attendance. It also happened to be the weekend of the Waipaoa horse sports. Saturday saw everyone involved with the horse sports as a rider, spectator or helper. The fine weather and festive atmosphere set a great platform for parents to get a better understanding of the community spirit that the cadets have been accustomed to. On Sunday morning the kitchen was a hive of activity as we all enjoyed a big breakfast before setting out to walk to our local landmark "Areoma" a large pinnacle of rock that can be seen from the cadet hostel. Unfortunately the drizzle and mist put a damper on this view but this did not dampen spirits.

Welcome to our 2011 cadets

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:07:09 +1300

From L to R: Chris Torkington, Jacob Coulston, Hamish Stewart, Patrick Allen, Samuel Ofee

The cadets have come into this year's programme with a sense of pride and camraderie that any programme manager would hope for. Our ten cadets are a big team of brothers who laugh and work together with a total understanding for each other. Our seniors manage the hostel systems with precision and have also been active in teaching the junior cadets about standards and pride in place. The junior cadets are a top group of focussed determined young men who have already shown many of the qualities that will take them to the top of the industry.

The new batch of junior cadets are:

Hamish Stewart - Marton, Chris Torkington - Wairoa, Samuel Ofee - Halcombe, Jacob Coulston - Upper Hutt, Patrick Allen - Hastings

I would like to thank the industry personnel who have committed their time to our 2011 training programme and to others who mentor the cadets outside of Waipaoa.

Finally on behalf of the Waipaoa team I would like to offer condolences to those who have suffered grief as a result of the Canterbury and Japan Earthquakes.

Graduation 2010

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:16:47 +1300

With the warm, fine weather and the countryside brimming with late spring growth, Waipaoa’s third cadet Graduation ceremony was picture perfect. Preparation for the ceremony was completed early which allowed cadets to spend a relaxed morning reminiscing and enjoying their final hours in the surroundings they had grown used to.

140 guests attended the occasion, including guest speaker John Cottle, who spoke about his rise to stardom through his involvement in show jumping and the importance of setting good foundations and following your passion. He emphasized the importance persevering in the pursuit of your dreams, with dedication and hard work described as essential parts of the journey.

Also in attendance was the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, Dr Chris Kirk. Although he did not speak formally at the event, he inspired the cadets earlier in the day talking about the importance of gaining formal qualifications through further study. Dr Kirk went to the cadet hostel so he could get a feel for the learning quarters and he acknowledged how well the cadets have done at Lincoln.

The Trust Chairman and Station Manager gave thanks to sponsors, staff and supporters. The Training Manager gave a general thank you to family, the local community and public, and all those who gave their time to help train the cadets.

BNZ Partners Hamish Campbell gave thanks on behalf of our main sponsor and expressed his extreme satisfaction in the outcomes that the model is achieving.

Mayor Meng Foon gave a closing address, touching on the importance of the Waipaoa training model to the Eastland region and the agriculture industry in terms of turning out highly trained personnel.

In general, this Graduation went very smoothly and feelings of contentment were generated as a result. Proceedings were relaxed and everyone was buzzing at the success of the cadets and training model. There was a sense that the Waipaoa training model had cemented its place as a top training institution.

End of year operations

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:13:45 +1300

The last big job of the year was to crutch, drench and dip Waipaoa’s ewes and lambs. The cadets found this extremely satisfying and a great opportunity to show that they were ready for the next step – to take up the role as stockman.

Generally the senior cadets mustered and drafted, while the junior cadets ran the woolshed and carried out the dipping with staff.

Runs before breakfast meant a good start to the day, giving seniors time to come in with the next mob of ewes and lambs.

As each mob was processed, pairs of senior cadets took the mobs back to their paddocks in time to pick up the next mob.

The Tectra run shearing course cadets took part in back in March certainly came in handy, as thousands of ewes came in one after the other.

The juniors were responsible for sharpening the shearing gear and keeping the shed tidy and organised. They welcomed the challenge to their stamina and strength and were in high spirits for the whole operation.

Although yard conditions were hot and dusty, cadets relished the opportunity to prove that they could cope.

All round they learned a lot about the operation and proved to staff that they were able to do a good day’s hard work – and then some.

Enthusiastic cadets dock at Waipaoa

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:44:59 +1300

Sunshine, laughter and various opportunities to learn about the system of docking set the scene for the Waipaoa cadets this year as they participated fully in all docking operations.

The senior cadets were off on horseback at 5am most mornings to prep ewes and lambs for penning before the docking crew arrived.

The docking yards were set up by the junior cadets and staff, but when it came to yarding the ewes and lambs it was all hands on deck.

The cadets were alternated around various jobs and given tuition throughout the day. Before long they established a routine and were able to take initiative with their work tasks. Cadets were able to learn about the pressures and responsibilities of the job, including why things were done a particular way and what consequences would result if procedure wasn’t followed.

After docking for two weeks, the junior cadets learned about the influence of different terrain on stock flow and ease of yard set-up - important factors to note for next year when they would be required to act as the stockman.

Although the cadets spent long days on the job, they enjoyed being part of a full docking crew, facing all challenges with enthusiasm and hard work.

Looking back on the classroom

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:02:45 +1300

Mark Bengston and Ben Te Kahika learning how to drive...

The lecture room has seen some excellent results this year. Senior cadets will finish with National Certificates in Agriculture levels 3 and 4 and junior cadets have completed their National Certificate in Agriculture at level 3. Our thanks go out to the many industry representatives who have graciously given their time and resources in support of our quest to give our cadets the best possible start to their agriculture careers. The Waipaoa training model is proud to have turned out another crop of high achievers and a 100% pass rate.

Spring is nearly here

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:48:01 +1200

As with most of the East Coast, Waipaoa's rainfall to date has already exceeded the total annual rainfall for 2009 but on the bright side the winter wet has been a result of constant smaller drops of rain as opposed to the large falls we experienced earlier this year which caused the extensive flooding. The senior cadets have certainly put the rainwear to the test while out moving stock around on rotation. Access out to most of the farm has been limited to any small windows of fine weather which has seen the junior cadets out on fence repairs and planting poplar poles. On wet days the cadets have been busy with staff in the workshop on vehicle maintenance, building floodgates and general repairs.

On a brighter note signs of spring are here with the pastures greening up just in time for the seniors to help vaccinate and set stock the ewes for lambing.

Scanning time on Waipaoa

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:29:33 +1200

Nick Herries, about to put his skills to the test on the hill behind him

On the farm calendar ewe scanning is one of the most important jobs for the year and Waipaoa's cadets recently had the opportunity to put all their skills to the test while playing a full role in the operation. On this particular day senior cadets Jason Coffey and Nick Herries were to ride out at 7am and muster a mob of mixed-age ewes and cows out of Moonlight Face, one of Waipaoa's steepest and highest hill paddocks. The brisk cool air and silence of early morning made for an enjoyable ride out to the block and as the sun rose the day's first task revealed itself as a couple of straggler ewes popped out from a small gut and decided that they did not want to be put back with the main mob.

With the ewes caught and returned to the main mob the job of pushing the ewes and cows up the main face and through a saddle that leads back to the woolshed holding paddock began. For two young shepherds with only a heading dog and huntaway each, this was a going to be a true test of their stockmanship. After an hour and a half of pretty intense dog and horse work the lead ewes slowly filed up through the saddle drawing the main mob behind them. Once at the holding paddock the cows were drafted off and left in the paddock as Jason and Nick headed for the woolshed yards with their mob of ewes. Back at the woolshed the other cadets had also been busy, loading ewes into the scanning race where a scanning technician from VETENT Gisborne was busy identifying those ewes with one, two or no lambs inside their womb. Although very busy the cadets had plenty of opportunity to learn about the scanning process and how it is important for pre-lamb ewe management. Stock manager Dave Stuart was on hand to offer the junior cadets advice on the correct way to work in-lamb ewes to minimize stress and to answer any questions about the operation.

Junior cadets, Jason Wyn-Harris (L) & Ben Te Kahika (R) making sure the ewes are kept up to the scanner

Jason Coffey keeps a watchful eye on the gate as the clouds gather

Cadets learn from the best

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:19:00 +1200

Waipaoa stock manager, Dave Stuart (Left) along with senior and junior cadets listen to the master.

What better way to spend a wet day than to have one of the country's leaders in veterinary science to teach us the finer points of cattle and sheep management. Trevor Cook (center) a veterinary consultant from Manawatu was kind enough to take a day out of his busy schedule and spend it with the Waipaoa cadets. Topics included; ewe and lamb management for increased production, condition scoring, animal health including an extensive insight into internal parasite management, and management policies for increased productivity. After a morning session in the lecture room discussing cattle and sheep management, Trevor, Dave Stuart (Waipaoa's stock manager) and the cadets went out on the farm where the cadets were given a lesson on how to condition score ewes. Through-out the day the cadets were astounded at the knowledge that Mr Cook was able to impart and later reported that Mr Cook was one of the most clever people they had ever met. Mr Cook's visit was part of a progression strategy to strengthen the already proven Waipaoa training model. The aim is to give cadets exposure to industry leaders who use and promote proven techniques of farming in order to give them the best possible start to their farming careers. The best thing of all is that the next day cadets load up vehicles, saddle the horses and ride off to work where they are able to put theory into practice with the Waipaoa training staff.

Wet weather no barrier to progress

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:47:00 +1200

Even in wet weather the cadets on hostel duty are able to keep busy on projects that they have planned. Senior cadet Nick Herries decided that the hostel vehicle loading ramp and several gate sites needed re-metaling so set too clearing all the mud out in order to make way for some metal. To get the job done Nick had to organise a tractor and trailer and transport metal from a site several kilometers away; good experience!

Cadets give back

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:43:14 +1200

Recently some of Waipaoa's junior and senior cadets volunteered their services at a Federated Farmers run field day held on a farm just south of Gisborne. The purpose of the field day was to showcase agriculture to the urban community and the cadets were there to demonstrate shearing and working sheep with a dog. It was an enjoyable day and a good opportunity to meet people and talk about agriculture.

Jeremy Lawson demonstrated shearing and working dogs on sheep.

Waipaoa's dog training program a success

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 +1200

To a young shepherd, training and breaking in their first dog is a very special milestone and Waipaoa's junior cadets are doing just that. March 2010 saw five young heading pups introduced to their new owners to start a very special journey of friendship and learning.

The cadets will be taught how to rear and teach their pups basic commands by the training manager's wife Diane Burkin who owns her own dogs and is a qualified vet nurse. This sometimes is easier said than done given that on a few occasions pups and cadets were seen to be running in all directions not quite sure about who was leading who!

From a training perspective; this is all part of the experience for both pup and owner. With these first initial learning curves overcome the pups are now under good command with the next stage of the training under way. Station owner Rob Telfer and Stock Manager Dave Stewart have the task of introducing the cadets to the disciplines of training a dog to work stock. The cadets couldn't be in better hands as both men have a wealth of experience in dog trialling and stock-work.

Stage two and the first of many training sessions to come was completed last night with the cadets glowing with the satisfaction of having started "the real stuff" some may say! This process incorporated having the pups on a lead and teaching them to go left or right and sitting on command, the cadets will carry on this training after work each day for the next few weeks. The next stage is to introduce the pups to sheep in a controlled environment which is basically an extension of the lead work completed earlier. Working sheep will see the excitement levels of the pups rise and override some of the discipline installed earlier but again this is all part of the learning process for dog and man alike. Although basic at this stage these small steps will see five proud young junior shepherds return in January 2011 and have these same dogs working stock on whistle command up to half a kilometer away.

The benefits of Waipaoa's dog training program continue throughout the two years the cadets are on site they are frequently visited and mentored by dog training legends like local identity Rod Mead and one of the initial visionaries for the pup training concept Colin Bolton. Further to this, the cadets compete and help out at local dog trials where they get to learn from those who are the best in the business when it comes to training a working dog.

Busy times on Waipaoa for cadets

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 +1200

Earlier disruptions dished up by mother nature now aside, the work program on Waipaoa is very much business as usual seeing the cadets involved in all aspects of farm operations. The senior cadets are now well on their way to learning the art of stockmanship and have relished the opportunity to work along side Dave and Rob. Having come back last January with their newly broken in heading dog and a fully broken in huntaway dog the senior cadets have carried out 90% of their stock work from horse back completing stock-shifts, weaning and treating cattle, crutching and shearing sheep, weighing and drafting lambs and bulls while at the same time keeping their hand in with general maintenance on fences and yards. In conjunction with their practical responsibilities the senior cadets have also been working hard on written assignments which will see them graduate with National Certificates in Agriculture at level 2, 3, and 4.

The first year cadets have been working with Waipaoa's general work managers on a daily basis and have been busy building and replacing flood gates to replace those which were lost in February's flood as well as general maintenance of fence lines and yards. Thistle control, track and water table maintenance, crutching and shearing have also been on the agenda seeing a wide range of skills being covered. Theory work toward a National Certificate in Agriculture at level 3 has also been completed by the junior cadets with topics selected to coincide with the farm work operations at the time. As well as learning to train a working dog the cadets have been taught how to cook by Leigh McIlroy the on-site cooking tutor and to look after and ride a horse with training already well under way. The cadets especially look forward to the horse work they learn about horse health, how to look after saddlery and ultimately, to ride. Once competent, cadets are rostered on one at a time to spend a week out with the stockmen which serves to provide a grounding in stockmanship, knowledge of Waipaoa's geography and the opportunity to learn from the senior cadets.

In June the cadets will get a well earned week off before returning and looking forward to lambing and calving, and further extending their skill base. For training staff it is satisfying to see these young people come in with limited or no experience in most areas of farm work and leave with the confidence and ability to carry out a variety of farm operations with minimal or no supervision.