Sydney University Vet students undertake cattle placements at Greylands.
In May 2025, Greylands signed up to take Sydney University vet students for cattle farm placements. Some proactive Sydney University vet students took the initiative to contact us through our website and enquired if Greylands would consider having vet students for training placements. After considering the logistics, we agreed this was a great idea. We welcomed the first vet students to Greylands on 7th July 2025 and the second group of students came to Greylands the week of 21 July 2025. Other Sydney Uni vet students will be coming to Greylands later this year. We trust they had an enjoyable time full of learning opportunities to help further their development as Australia's future vets.
Tweety and Natalie who came to Greylands the week of 7th July 2025 summarised their week as follows:
"Our Unforgettable Week at Greylands – by Tweety and Natalie, University of Sydney Vet Students:
We were truly honoured to be the first University of Sydney veterinary students to complete our industry placement at Greylands! Arriving at the start of calving season, our days began early with cattle monitoring, keeping a close watch on newborn calves, and assessing paddock conditions. It was an incredible hands-on learning opportunity that we'll never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Ian, Margaret, and Steve, whose hospitality and knowledge made us feel right at home. We were introduced to the farm's layout and operations and were even invited to sit in on the weekly business meeting—a valuable experience that gave us insight into the decision-making and management behind a successful cattle enterprise. One of the highlights of the week was the opportunity to visit several other farms in the area, thanks to the wonderful network Greylands has in the community. These visits broadened our exposure to different cattle operations and enriched our learning tremendously.
Throughout the week, we were actively involved in a wide range of veterinary and husbandry tasks. These included rectal and vaginal examinations, drug administration, ear tagging, drenching, vaccination, and marking. We even had the unique opportunity to castrate a calf—a first for both of us.
Another standout experience was attending a bull sale. This eye-opening event gave us valuable insight into how livestock auctions operate. We were fascinated by the silent bidding codes and the strategy behind buyer interactions. A particularly memorable and touching moment was when Ian and Margaret kindly invited our visiting family from Hong Kong on a buggy tour of the farm. It was a very special experience for them and something we are incredibly grateful for. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ian and Margaret for the engaging discussions that covered everything from general farm management to specific aspects of cattle health and welfare. And a big thank you to Steve, the farm manager, for sharing so much of his practical knowledge, patiently teaching us about cattle and farm operations, and showing us around the region. We’ll never forget the delicious meal at his family’s takeaway shop—it was such a treat! Our placement at Greylands was not only educational but also deeply meaningful. Thank you for making it such a welcoming and memorable experience.”
Jemma and Leeanna who came to Greylands the week of 21st July 2025 summarised their week as follows:
"This July, we had the invaluable opportunity to undertake our university placement with Greylands, where we were immersed in the daily workings of a commercial beef operation. This placement allowed us to further develop both our practical skills and industry knowledge. Throughout the week, we participated in a variety of hands-on activities not often practiced during our coursework, such as mustering and calf marking. This enhanced our practical competency and confidence in handling livestock. We also engaged in meaningful discussions about industry practices and challenges, which further broadened our understanding. This experience was enriched by off-site visits to other beef properties, the local cattle saleyards, a dairy operation, and a beef abattoir in Singleton. The saleyards visit offered us a perspective on livestock marketing, while the dairy operation provided insights into herd management systems. The abattoir visit was particularly impactful, where the on-site veterinarian detailed her responsibilities in a career pathway that we were not previously aware of. She also highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the veterinarian’s role in the production chain. Overall, this placement deepened our appreciation for the complexities of cattle farming and provided us with significant exposure to the workplace. We are grateful for this opportunity and the knowledge gained from Ian, Marg, Steve and others during our time at Greylands."
