Agri Aware’s Farm Walk and Talk series is set to kick off for its 16th year this year, starting at Gurteen Agricultural College in Co. Tipperary.

Starting next Wednesday, February 26 the first week will see three separate events taking place.

Teachers and students across Ireland will visit various Teagasc agricultural colleges and research centres, as well as University College Dublin (UCD) Lyon’s Estate as part of the series.

Speaking ahead of the start of next week’s events, Agri Aware executive director Marcus O’Halloran said: “We have increased the number of events again this year, going from 14 last year to 15 this year across 11 locations.

"We are going to be meeting students from Donegal, down to Cork and back across to the east of the country to Kildare over the next four weeks."

The series is designed to give students hands-on experience of what life is like on a working farm. Students also attend talks from agri-food industry experts and leading academics in a practical environment.

From observing cows being milked, comparing different breeds of cattle, examining soil profiles, lamb births, to watching piglets suckle and farm safety demonstrations, the students will get to experience the realities of the subjects that they are taught each day in the classroom.

O’Halloran added: “The time to promote the Leaving Certificate Agriculture Science subject has never been greater and although the event is designed for students already studying the subject, we hope the noise the series makes will ring in the ears of students deciding on their subject choices now who are in third year or Transition Year."

"Events like Farm Walk & Talk are unique and give a real practical hands-on experience to students studying the subject.

Last year 5,501 students received results for the higher level Leaving Certificate agricultural science exam.

Farm Walk & Talk will run from Wednesday February 26 until March 20 with over 4,000 students expected to attend across the 15 events scheduled.