Pirongia School students watch how the milking shed works.
As soon as they were on the farm, these Pirongia School students were ‘racing’ to learn from the industry’s best.
Hosted by reigning Waikato Bay of Plenty FMG Young Farmer of the Year Emma Poole and her husband Chris – who held the title last year – a group of more than 30 year 6, 7 and 8 students, aged 10-12, had the chance for a hands-on farm experience day on the property the couple manages – Cloverlea Farms.
Emma and Pirongia School principal Kelly Bicknell met last year when planning the school’s agricultural day – and subsequent discussions gave rise to the launch of the school’s very own young farmers club.
To date, more than 40 students have joined, and the farm visit consisted of watching some of the 720-cow herd being milked and fed, learning about tractors and tractor safety and putting up an electric fence in a four-by-four metre paddock.
At milking time, there was a particularly entertaining moment.
“I lived on a dairy farm for 10 years and never changed a set of cups as the cows were milked… so Emma and Chris were, of course, keen to see that change,” Kelly told The News.
“So many students at school take an interest in the environment, in animals and in farming in general.
2022 Waikato Bay of Plenty FMG Young Farmer of the Year, Chris Poole talks to Pirongia School students during their on-farm visit. To his right, Lucy Jackson and Eli Reymer watch on.
“Late last year in term four, with this in mind, we held our first in school young farmers competition. Teams were challenged with a variety of small agriculture and horticulture tasks.
“We’ll be looking to hold the competition at school again this year, and – with the hope that field trips like this would provide opportunities to learn new things – we thought it might also help the students prepare for the competition again.
Kelly said the young farmers event at school complements the school’s annual agricultural day.
“I think the students really enjoyed the opportunity to get outside into some fresh air with the gumboots on and have some hands-on experiences.”
Meanwhile, Emma – a Te Kawa West Young Farmers Club member – heads to the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Timaru early next month.
Her brother, Tim Dangen, won last year’s grand final.
