Wingham Beef Week began on a high note on Monday with the Junior Field Day at Wingham High School.
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One hundred and twenty primary school children experienced the rural life at the school’s Top Farm.
The highlight for many this year was the virtual reality experience offered by Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) virtual reality Paddock to Plate Story. The big bus pulled into the farm on its way back from Beef Australia 2018 in Rockhampton.
The kids were delighted.
“It was weird but fun,” said Hayley Holman of Mount George Public School who cited the bus as her favourite part of the day.
It was Hayley’s first time at beef week and as she explored all aspects of the school farm she was surprised to learn that cows can be shown.
A Wingham High School student had explained to Hayley how the Ag students had prepared their own cattle for beef week and would soon be showing them in led competition at Wingham Showground.
For Hayley, and many of the young kids at the field day, the chance to study agriculture at high school suddenly became an appealing option.
And taking part in Wingham Beef Week became a goal.
Inspiring the younger generation to consider a future in agriculture is one aim of the field day, introducing them to life on the farm, is another.
“It’s great for students who don’t have opportunities to see rural life,” said Wingham Public School teacher Paul Stevens.
Paul was there with 50 year six students from differing backgrounds. Some would be all too familiar with handling farm animals. Others may never have been near a chook.
“The hands on experience is invaluable,” added Paul.
Visiting Wingham Beef Week for the Junior Field Day were students from: Wingham Brush Public School, Wingham Public School, Moorland Public School, Tinonee Public School and Bobin Public School.
Some parents had also independently brought their children along to experience a day on the farm.
The day is hosted by the Wingham High School Ag students. Forty eight of them were on hand to mentor the younger visitors and showcase the hard work of all involved in the school farm.
See more photos from the day in our Out and About in Wingham feature on Wednesday.