First Hawke’s Bay school takes part in national project

5th April 2018

First Hawke’s Bay school takes part in national 100 schools project

Hawke’s Bay school students have watched sheep being mustered and shorn as part of a new education programme.

Almost 70 students from Argyll East School visited Ranui Farm near Waipukarau.

The field trip was part of a major national project putting students from 100 primary schools onto sheep and beef farms.

It's funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) and delivered by NZ Young Farmers.

“The highlight for students was seeing working dogs rounding up the sheep,” said teacher Emma Foley.

“I think that was a first for a lot of the kids.”

The 400-hectare property runs 1,200 sheep, 100 beef cattle and between 100-200 dairy cattle.

Argyll East was the first Hawke’s Bay school to take part in the project.

“It was really cool and heaps of fun,” said Year 6 student Kaela Brans.

“We learned why it’s important to crutch or clip the wool around a sheep’s bottom to stop it from getting dags.”

The aim of the programme is to help pupils and teachers understand the wealth of career opportunities available in the agri-food sector.

“I want to work with animals when I’m older, so I’m considering being a vet or a farmer,” said Kaela.

The farm visit is part of a resource that students are studying are in class on boosting productivity in the red meat sector.

“I’ve never been on a school trip like this before,” said teacher Emma Foley.

“It was an excellent day with lots of hands-on activities for the students.”

Pupils got to see sheep being crutched and drenched and learn about the vital role working dogs play on a farm.

“Having school groups visit the farm is fun for us and provides a great learning opportunity for kids,” said farmer Trevor Ennor.

The educational resource was developed under the RMPP people and capability project.

RMPP project manager Di Falconer said the red meat sector is a viable sector full of amazing career opportunities.

“We want to get the industry on the radar of students and teachers, so they’re aware of the opportunities,” she said.

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