Bundaberg students got the chance to get their hands dirty while learning more about agriculture at the recent Moo Baa Munch event on 21 March.
The event was run by AgForce’s School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) together with CQUniversity, with support from AgPro Technology, Bundaberg Regional Council, Rural Funds Management and Stahmann Webster.
SIPP functions as a channel between Queensland agribusinesses and schools and has been delivering programmes like this since 2004.
The aim of Moo Baa Munch was to raise awareness about the origin of food and fibre, the importance of agriculture and the diverse career opportunities available in the industry.
The event aimed to promote all sectors of the industry, including beef, sheep, grains, production horticulture, poultry, dairy, and sugarcane.
AgForce’s SIPP Coordinator Tanya Nagle said it was a wonderful initiative.
“There is an incredible amount of support for our agricultural education program from industry, schools, teachers and students,” she said.
“With so many Australians describing their connection with agriculture as distant or non-existent, Moo Baa Munch has never been more relevant than it is now in connecting school students with agriculture.”
Secondary schools from the region took part in the immersive experience including Bundaberg Christian College, Gin Gin State High School, Kepnock State High School, and Shalom College.
Students were given the opportunity to explore a working dairy farm using virtual reality, meet an agronomist and learn about the science of soil management and crop production, and learn how to use a refractometer to measure sugar content in fruits.
AgForce General President Georgie Somerset said showcasing farming to our youth was incredibly important.
“Whether students are studying agriculture or not, it is vital that young people gain exposure to important messages about food production,” she said.
“Events like Moo Baa Munch do a fantastic job in making agriculture real – providing the students with the opportunity to explore.
“It’s also a chance for them to discover the amazing diversity of careers in modern agriculture – these days it isn’t only about getting your hands dirty, technology in farming is proving to be a game changer.
“It’s fantastic to think that this event allows so many students to engage with agriculture and learn about one of the fastest growing industries in the country.”
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