While at college our students have a very busy time covering both theory and practical subjects through a schedule that is busier than they are accustomed to before they start college.

They are supported in juggling their classroom based studies with practical work and work experience that is an integral part of student’s grade profiles and educational goals. This is further supported by other great opportunities that are planned for students, such as visits within industry, for example Grassland UK and Devon County Show.

We pride ourselves in keeping students busy with a huge number of activities that make up their schedule. To create a balance between classroom study and employability skills our students learn and implement valuable independent learning and time management skills.

Adrian Netherway

Over the last month at college we have been focusing on our final assignments for the year. There is also a lot to be done on the farm, however the assignments must be completed to a good standard which will mean I get a good grade at the end of the course.

I have a particular interest in beef cattle and on the farm I work on they are all out at grass with a few left in to fatten which will soon be up to their target weights and fit to go to slaughter.

Silage making is in full swing both at college and at home, at college they use contractors but also give students the opportunity to take part using the modern college equipment. All of the wheat and barley crops are looking especially well with the expectation of a good harvest, the maize has also had a good germination and is growing on well at college.

The weather over the half term has enabled a lot of farmers to wrap up their second cut which has meant that the quality has been very high and therefore ensuring high yields from the dairy herds.

We had a Grassland UK trip which was an excellent day out where we got to see some of the latest grassland equipment in action which really helped me with my grassland assignments. Alongside this I and my other course members are developing our supervisory skills in readiness for us to be next year’s supervisors for farm rota duties.

Ben Roberts

The last month at college has been the busiest yet with every day packed full. With the end of the year coming up, all assignments have to been finished and handed in just before the end of June. This is easier said than done as college and home life have also become very busy within the last month.

We have been on many trips including Devon County Show, Grassland UK and a local organic farm called Coombe Farm, home to over 450 Holstein Friesian’s. We have also been busy at college doing second cut silage, mainly baling, and some of the left over ground work.

I was also offered by the college an opportunity to work at the Bath and West Show over the half term which I gained a good experience of show ground preparation. To add to this life at home has been getting even busy as well with work picking up with silaging, tedding, milking and shearing. Most of my lambs are sold and despite the poor prices they are beginning to pay me off for the long winter and creep bills.

This summer I am looking to expand my pedigree Texel flock by buying some more ewes and hopefully a quality stock ram in the bid to improve the quality of my flock and make a good name for myself.

Annabella Cornish

Within the last month, Rodway farm, much like many farms in the southwest are getting into the swing of the harvesting season having brought in their first cut of silage. Due to a reasonably warm and dry winter and spring the ground and crops haven't been under too much strain. If they had this would affect yields and quality, but because they haven’t, this year’s first cut, for most, has been fairly successful with high yields and high sugar levels which converts into energy for the animals through feeding making it a valuable base crop.

I am very pleased that I have achieved good grades for all of the units I have completed, which is a result of all the hard work I have put in to my course, it will be great to see my course all together on 23 June at the College Awards Ceremony. I am also very much looking forward to developing my practical skills within industry prior to me coming back to study a Foundation Degree in Agricultural Management in January.

Michelle Parish

This month I will have finished my Level 3 Agriculture BTEC Diploma and I am now looking for a future full-time job related to the agriculture industry up until Christmas before I start my higher education course at college. However in college this month they have completed their first cut silage for the cows and are now looking to shear the flock. By shearing the ewes, we are preventing them from getting a few problems that I’m going to discuss.

If the wool was left on the sheep there could be problems such as blow fly. The flies lay their eggs within the dirt on the fleece, as this has the ideal environment for blow fly to hatch, this is a big issue due to them eating the sheep alive, therefore if not caught quickly could cause painful death. Farmers normally treat the sheep one to two times in the summer period to prevent fly strike.

Also by shearing the sheep on the farm you won’t have such a worry for those which get on their back. When it becomes hotter or the weather changing constantly the sheep get itchy and then sometimes get stuck on their back. Overall it is done for the flock’s welfare and helps them cope in the hotter weather in the summer months, and finally it gives a bit more income for the farmer from when they sell the wool.

This article is part of a monthly column written by Agriculture students at Bridgwater College. You can read the other articles in this series here: January, February, March, April, May