Stephanie and Sam Russell took a keen group of ten senior Ag Extension students up to the East Coast Farming Expo on Thursday, 20 February. In the second year Iona College has attended the expo, we were determined to get involved, strengthen our understanding of topical issues and current Ag developments and connect with presenters and locals. It was great to see so many family members and friends of the school at the Expo. Thank you for your support of the Ag Extension programme.

Maddie Foote was invited to present on the Wool Panel to discuss Iona College's 2024 Study Pod prototype.  With Phoebe Butler, Maddie worked on the 'Wool be studying' project which was well received at the Fieldays Innovation Hub Awards and saw the girls awarded the People's Choice Award. Maddie represented the youth voice well in her championing of wool as a valuable, sustainable and quality fibre. She extolled the virtues of the product in many areas beyond traditional carpet and blankets markets and challenged consumers to share their understanding of wool's benefits- and to help educate those not yet in the know.

Iona College was pleased to provide a team for the Cadet Challenge this year. Maddie France, Harriet Martin and Abby Schaw bravely volunteered for an unknown culinary challenge against fellow secondary school and station cadet teams. They were asked to bone, season and create delicious lamb sausages from scratch. With two sous chefs preparing side dishes, and cheffing in the heat of a very overheated outdoor kitchen, the Iona College team presented an appetising meal for the judges. We were thrilled to be placed second in the challenge. 

Article added: Thursday 27 February 2025