My Host Farm Experience – Eatons Hill Stud

Why Be a Host Farm for Livestock Breeding Courses?

Hosting livestock breeding courses on-farm is a unique opportunity that combines practical learning, professional development, and real benefits for your own operation. After hosting courses for Orion Training, I’ve found the experience to be both rewarding and highly valuable in many different ways.

How was your experience of hosting a course?

Hosting a course has been a fantastic opportunity for networking and connecting with other farmers. Conversations with both the trainer and participants have given us fresh perspectives on our cattle operation and management practices.

It has also been a valuable way to promote our property through word of mouth, increasing awareness of our business within the farming community and building new connections that continue beyond the course itself.

What’s your favourite moment within the Host Farm experience?

One of the most enjoyable parts of hosting the course has been the group learning environment. Being able to share experiences with other farmers and take part in open, practical discussions has been incredibly valuable.

I especially enjoyed witnessing those “aha” moments — both for myself and other students — when a new skill finally clicks. You can see confidence grow instantly, which makes the learning experience very rewarding for everyone involved.

How did your cattle handle being part of the course?

My cattle handled the course environment exceptionally well and remained very calm and settled around different people throughout the training. They are naturally quiet, well-handled animals with excellent temperaments, which made them ideal for a training setting.

It was great to see how comfortably they interacted with participants, helping create a safe, practical, and positive learning environment.

Do you feel Orion gave you enough information on how the Host Farm process would work?

Orion Training were extremely thorough in providing information and support prior to the course. Their staff were professional, approachable, and made me feel completely comfortable about allowing my cattle to be used in the training.

They clearly explained their animal ethics approval processes and the safeguards in place to ensure the welfare and safety of the cattle at all times. I also felt reassured knowing there was appropriate insurance coverage in place for students while they were on my property.

From my first enquiry through to delivery of the course, the entire process was straightforward, well organised, and stress-free. The trainers were highly experienced and professional throughout, which gave me full confidence in the program.

What benefits and advantages do you think there were to hosting your own course?

One of the key benefits was the additional income received through the Host Farm Incentives Program. Beyond this, the expertise of the trainers provided real, practical value to our operation.

During the course, it was identified that 20 of my cows were not pregnant. The trainer was extremely helpful in identifying the underlying issue affecting conception rates, and with their guidance we were able to correct the problem. This has since made a significant improvement to our herd management.

It was also a major advantage for both myself and my staff to complete the course on our own property. Working in a familiar environment with cattle we already know made the learning far more practical, relevant, and efficient, without the need to travel elsewhere.

What makes your property well suited for AI and pregnancy testing courses?

Our property is particularly well suited to hosting courses due to our exceptionally quiet and well-handled cattle, which greatly supports student confidence and learning in a practical setting.

In addition, our location is highly convenient and easily accessible, being only around 40 minutes from Brisbane Airport. This makes it ideal for interstate participants, while still offering an authentic, hands-on farm training experience.

Why do you think hands-on learning is important in livestock breeding?

Hands-on learning is essential for developing real, practical skill. It allows participants to gain a true “touch and feel” understanding rather than relying on theory alone. Having an experienced instructor present provides immediate feedback and guidance, ensuring students are confident in correct positioning and technique.

The trainer demonstrates key anatomical landmarks to support accurate entry during procedures such as artificial insemination and assists students in correctly locating the uterus. They also provide valuable support in learning how to accurately assess and determine stages of pregnancy, building both confidence and competence in real-world livestock management.

Would you host a course again?

Yes, absolutely. I plan to continue hosting more courses here for Orion Training. We have already successfully held two courses, and both have been very positive experiences for myself, my staff, and the participants.

Lisa Wong

Eatons Hill Stud

For more information go to https://oriontraining.edu.au/agriculture-horticulture-and-conservation/host-farm-incentive-program/