This year’s harvest once again highlights what can be achieved through strong community cooperation, dedicated volunteers, and the generous support of local contractors.
Finley PCP thanks all volunteers and carriers who assisted throughout the harvest period, ensuring the barley was delivered efficiently.
Their commitment and professionalism were essential in bringing the harvest in smoothly and on schedule.
Following the harvest, the barley straw was baled for dairy use, and in a significant contribution to local agricultural education, 50 bales were donated to Finley High School for its successful agricultural program.
The program has continued to thrive in recent years, achieving outstanding results at regional and state-level competitions, including the Royal Melbourne Show and the ‘Royal’ Finley Show.
Finley PCP also acknowledges the generous donation of baling services, which ensured the straw was prepared quickly and efficiently, allowing the donation to proceed without delay.
Finley High School agriculture teacher Robyn O’Leary expressed her appreciation for the contribution and highlighted its value to the school’s agricultural students.
“We are extremely grateful to Finley PCP for this generous donation,” she said.
“Access to high-quality straw is essential for the hands-on learning experiences that make our program so successful.
“It allows our students to continue working with livestock and preparing for competitions at a professional standard.
“Support from organisations like PCP strengthens our ability to offer real-world agricultural training, and it makes a tremendous difference to the opportunities we can provide.”
Agriculture teacher Gary Webb also expressed his appreciation of the donation.
“Because of the small numbers, the stock have to be hand fed and the straw, as roughage, is mixed with grain and distributed to the cattle and sheep by farm assistant Gordon Close,” he said.
Finley PCP operations coordinator Warren Lang reflected on the significance of this year’s harvest, and the importance of supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“This harvest has been a great result for PCP and for our community,” he said.
“Being able to donate 50 bales of straw to Finley High School is something we’re extremely proud of.
“The school’s agricultural program continues to represent Finley with excellence, and we’re pleased to contribute in a practical way that helps the students prepare, learn, and succeed.
“Our volunteers, contractors and supporters all play a role in making achievements like this possible.”
Planning is already underway for next year’s cropping program, with Finley PCP continuing its focus on community engagement, sustainable practices, and productive partnerships.
The organisation also thanks the many contractors who have provided significant discounts on the work they have undertaken.
Their generosity remains an important part of maximising the value of the community-managed properties and enhancing PCP’s ability to return benefits to local groups.
Finley PCP looks forward to another productive year ahead and to continuing its commitment to fostering local agricultural skills, supporting education, and strengthening the Finley community.
