In 1822 a young James Webber, recently arrived in the Colony, took up his land grant on the Paterson River. In that one act of possession, the landscape, managed and maintained by Aboriginal people for many centuries, was changed forever. James and his convict crew carved out a European-style agricultural enterprise by exploiting the rich diversity of the land. In a nod to the earlier custodians, he named his estate ‘Tocal’, an aboriginal word for ‘plenty’. Through toil and enterprise, successive owners grew rich on the Tocal lands, until, in 1965, private ownership ceased, and a new agricultural college was born on the site. That college, now retaining the name given to the land by its original custodians, grew into a thriving educational centre, with tentacles of training reaching throughout the nation. 2022 marks a significant milestone in the history of the land. This brief overview of its story—including the millennia before dispossession—has been compiled by four authors with over 170 years of combined memories associated with Tocal College and recording its agriculture and its history. Over its history, Tocal has touched many families and many lives, and it continues to expand its reach, including to the descendants of its original peoples who cared for and respected its resources. This book in a small way pays homage to all of those lives.

This book traces the history of Tocal College, and explores the reasons why Tocal has thrived since it was established 50 years ago, while many other agricultural training institutions have declined. In the early years, Tocal was in many ways a smaller brother. But to survive, Tocal had to adapt. This required flexibility, a willingness to innovate, a pioneering spirit, the support of stakeholders and above all, political savvy. It is a credit to the leadership of its Principals over the past 50 years that Tocal has not only adapted, but seized the initiative. It has transformed from a regional, residential-based institution to an industry-based, national training hub. It is embedded as an indispensible part of NSW Department of Primary Industries; a significant state asset with a strong national profile. It provides flexible and customised training in regional areas throughout the State, with diverse projects across all agricultural industries. Tocal has become the service arm and major vehicle by which information and training is delivered to rural NSW. Tocal has always emphasised its practical base. It specialises in training for rural skills; its publications in all their forms are practical and expressed in plain English; its trainers have wide industry credibility. It has been true to its roots, but always alive to greater possibilities and wider horizons. This book is a glimpse into the journey so far.

The magnificent Tocal property in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales stands as a testament to Australian agriculture and Australian farmers. It is now the site of Tocal Agricultural College. This book attempts to record a philosophy or approach to land use that leads to sustainability. The term ‘sustainability’ has become popular and over-used in recent years. It means different things to different people. One definition is ‘getting the best production from the land without limiting chances for future generations to do the same’. Tocal aims to be a role model for rural industry. From its foundation, the College has been aware of the need to manage the land for long-term sustainability. The first property plan was drawn up in 1965, showing land capabilities, new fences, and structures to control erosion. The plan has been completely revised twice and is constantly evolving. New knowledge and experience is always changing our thinking. So we will always seek to implement best management practices for agricultural land use. This book was written to support the Property Management Plan for Tocal. It is also intended for planning workshops, educational courses and for visitors to Tocal. This Code sets out the strategies and objectives used at Tocal to move towards sustainable agriculture.

Beef AgSkills provides a basic guide to some of the skills and practices of beef production. The book contains step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and full-colour pictures. Some of the skills included are: · Drafting and counting cattle · Vaccinating · Heat detection · Problems with calving · Dehorning calves