The Department of Agriculture and Food has teamed up with WA Colleges of Agriculture to give more than 400 primary school students greater insight into agriculture and food production.
The department’s AgLinkEd project leader Nikki Poulish said two recent successful Primary School Awareness Days were the result of a strong collaboration with Denmark and Morawa Colleges of Agriculture.
At Denmark, students from seven schools in Walpole, Denmark, Cranbrook, Mt Barker and Albany gained an understanding of entomology, cropping, aquaculture, livestock production, biosecurity and farm machinery.
“The students had a great time searching for red legged mites, discovering what grains are in their favourite foods, learning how wool is processed, identifying pests and diseases and learning the importance of dairy and beef cattle,” Mrs Poulish said.
At Morawa, students from six schools travelled from as far afield as Geraldton to experience a farm tour and hands-on activities at the shearing shed, piggery, college abattoir, automotive and engineering sheds.
Students also learnt about animal handling with horses and cattle.
Department AgLinkEd development officer Megan Abrahams said it was the second year the day had been run in Morawa.
“Teachers and students enjoyed the day and those who attended the inaugural event last year said that the day was even better second time around,” she said.
“A popular activity was examining the fleeces in the shearing shed, while watching the shearing demonstration made them realise how hard working shearers are.”
The department’s AgLinkEd team are looking forward to working with Harvey College of Agriculture to present their first primary school awareness day in December.
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