By Linda Mantova

Brahmans are the cornerstone of the cattle program at one of the Northern Territory’s premier agricultural schools, Taminmin College.

Located at Humpty Doo, Taminmin College offers an impressive array of programs through Vocational Education and Training (VET) in rural operations.

Taminmin College farm manager, Robert Kelly, said these programs were designed to equip students with hands-on skills and knowledge for thriving careers in agriculture and rural operations.

“Our college farm aims to promote education and training in agriculture and science to students, providing a modern and industry-quality facility that ensures students can best develop their personal skills and explore a career in the growing agricultural or science industries,” Mr Kelly said.

“Our goal is to provide the school community with access to quality education and training in the areas of animal husbandry (chickens, goats, horses, cattle), horticulture, aquaculture, aquaponics, environmental sciences, and farming,” he said.

As Taminmin College is one of only a handful of schools in the Northern Territory with an agricultural facility, it provides an exciting learning environment for all students with a range of pathways to access employment and higher education.

Taminmin Farm is known as a source of education, training, and community pride, with students proudly showcasing the college’s livestock at Fred’s Pass Show, Darwin Show, and Katherine Show each year.

Mr Kelly said the college’s Brahman herd was an integral part of the VET program for Certificate I, II, and III in rural operations.

“Students gain invaluable on-farm experience in branding, mustering, transporting, grooming, and handling skills,” he said.

“We have around 20 head of Brahman cattle at the college, all bred right here on campus.

“We pride ourselves on our own breeding program. We do buy in our bulls from other prestigious studs and also utilise AI practices at times to enhance our herd.”

Mr Kelly said agricultural students attended local shows, taking the college’s Brahman cattle team and showcasing their skills.

“This experience prepares them for the Darwin Rural Show later in the year, which is a highlight of the course,” he said.

“Students meticulously prepare their animals and present them to judges, gaining invaluable experience and confidence.

“Our Brahmans excel at the college. Despite our small paddocks, the pastures are lush and well-maintained.”

Mr Kelly said the Brahmans thrived in the heat and were remarkably resistant to ticks.

“Handled by students from a young age, they are incredibly docile, making it easy for both students and staff to manage them,” he said.

“During the dry season, certain groups of cattle receive additional feed from our students, and high-quality hay is always provided.

“Taminmin is committed to continuing to breed and provide quality animals and well-trained students as an integral part of the community landscape.”

Since its inception in the early 80s, Taminmin College has been a pioneer in agricultural education, offering programs in horticulture, aquaculture, livestock, and land management through the VET program and for senior students in Year 11 and 12.

“Taminmin also provides Year 7, 8, and 9 students with exciting opportunities to explore elective subjects in agriculture. Certificate courses like the Certificate I, II, and III in Agriculture lay a solid foundation in livestock production and equine husbandry,” Mr Kelly said.

“Students dive into real-world experiences, mastering livestock management, fencing, equine studies, pasture management, WHS practices, and chemical application (livestock).

“The courses are tailored to meet the demands of rural and regional sectors, ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation. Plus, students get to experience work placements in industry areas throughout the year.”

These programs aim to prepare students for a wide range of exciting job roles in agriculture and related industries, contributing to the vibrant growth of the Northern Territory’s rural economy.

Mr Kelly said most VET students came from the college’s mainstream Year 10 and 11 students.

“We also welcome students from schools around the Darwin area, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment.

“Including our mainstream students, over 300 enthusiastic learners participate in the program, making it a bustling hub of agricultural education.”

“Over 90 percent of our students in the agriculture VET program have successfully completed their units, with most eagerly signing up for the next level in the following years.

“Certificate III students complete Year 12 and transition into skilled positions in the industry, including cattle stations, agricultural retail, feedlots, export yards, and sale yards.”

Taminmin College plans to introduce new training programs and certifications related to cattle management. These programs will cover advanced topics such as cattle nutrition, health management, and low-stress handling techniques.

These plans aim to ensure that Taminmin College continues to provide high-quality education and training in cattle management, preparing students for successful careers in the agricultural industry.