IT would be a rare sight to see Will Smith, Harrison Ford and Mitchell Johnson all together - and an even rarer sight to see them all in Malanda - but that is exactly what happened when they all attended the 2014 Malanda Educational Dairy Camp that was held recently.
Quite by chance one of the All Breeds Calf Day Judges was named Will Smith and two of the dairy camp participants, Harrison Ford and Mitchell Johnson shared the same name with their famous counterparts.
A total of 43 participants attended, with half of them coming from non-farming backgrounds.
A strong contingent of calves and heifers representing the major dairy breeds of Holstein, Illawarras, Jerseys and Brown Swiss were present at the dairy camp.
One of the highlights of the camp was the ‘All Breeds Calf Day’ that was held on the final day of the camp.
The main course facilitator was Head Classifier of Holstein Australia, Richard Anderson, who came from Northern Victoria.
Also from Northern Victoria, tutor Yolanda Low, Holstein Australia Classifier said that what impressed her the most was “the participants’ positive attitude and their willingness to want to learn.”
A full gallery of photos can be accessed by clicking on the photo below.
There were special guest presenters which included Dr Bill Tranter from the Tableland Veterinary Service who gave a highly informative presentation on ‘The development and optimum care of your calf’ and Selwyn from SSR Hoof Trimming who came from Ingham to give participants an insightful demonstration on his topic with the aid of his hydraulic table.
Colin Lawson from Extreme Motorcycles gave a valuable safety talk about quad bikes and motorcycles and Don Davis gave a session on halter making which enabled all participants to make and take home their very own halter.
Paul Newland was the instructor of the ‘Parading your animal in the ring’ segment which proved to be valuable to all camp participants.
Parents commented that their children’s confidence, self esteem and maturity has been greatly boosted as a result of attending the camp.
“It was definitely a success. We were thrilled with the response and the keenness of the participants was outstanding,” Chairman of the Organising Committee Colin Daley said.