From fire risk to fodder: students reap benefits of new partnership between Water Corporation and WA College of Agriculture

Water Corporation and the WA College of Agriculture in Denmark have joined forces to provide students with hands-on farming experience while helping reduce bushfire risks. 

The partnership sees students spend a week each spring cutting and bailing grass on Water Corporation land near Settlers Road, upstream of the Denmark River Dam. 

The grass is stored as feed for college’s herd of 100 Angus cows during months when silage is scarce. 

The land was purchased by Water Corporation between 2013 and 2016 as part of efforts to protect water quality within the Denmark River catchment. 

While removing cattle and livestock from the area has reduced water quality risks, the resultant increase in vegetation poses its own management challenges.  

Water Corporation Great Southern Regional Manager Adrian Stewart said the partnership was a win-win.

“It not only equips students with essential farming skills but also greatly helps us reduce the bushfire risk associated with heavy fuel loads,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our silage (feed) is chemical-free, fertiliser free, and provides excellent nutrition for the college’s cows.

“It’s also a great opportunity to teach students how to operate safely within a public drinking water catchment. 

“Protecting water quality within water catchments is essential and it’s important students understand how to minimise pollution from farming activities to help keep our water sources clean and safe.” 

WA College of Agriculture Farm Manager Kevin Marshall said the partnership provided a valuable extra source of nutrition for the College’s beef cattle during challenging seasons.

“Last year was a particularly difficult season with silage being nearly impossible to obtain,” Mr Marshall said. 

“Without the feed grown on Water Corporation land, we probably would’ve had to sell stock.

“This partnership has been invaluable, providing higher quality grass that is also supporting our pregnant cows and reducing calving difficulties.”