On Thursday 3rd April, Miss McEvoy’s Year 10 Introduction to Cattle class had the opportunity to travel to Blyth to visit Donava Holsteins. The Zweck family have recently installed the states first Robotic Barn System, with the use of GEA Robots working alongside the barn’s TMR system as well as automatic calf feeders, heat detection and cow monitoring system.

Students were able to tour and view all working aspects of the barn and gain a fantastic insight on the inner workings, complications and decisions that are made within the family business. Both Gary and Justin Zweck openly discussed their breeding strategies using genetics and sexed semen to get the best out of their herd and productivity, as well as the struggles with the current climate and markets. Was a fantastic day and we would like to thank the Zweck family for being fantastic hosts, and Jim from Agridairies with his assistance with putting the day together. Was an experience the students all felt they got a lot out of.

Ashlee McEvoy
Agriculture Teacher