West Cork students get hands-on farm experience
Students from Leap National School and Maulthrane National School recently took part in the 'Classroom to Farm' initiative at Denis and Collette O’Donovan's farm in Glandore, Co. Cork.
Supported by Lisavaird Co-Op, in partnership with Carbery, the programme has been running for two years and was set up by four farming families representing each of the four west Cork co-ops.
The national school students were joined by transition years from Mount Saint Michael’s in Rosscarbery and the group were given a hands-on learning experience about modern dairy farming.
During the tour, the students had the opportunity to witness the daily operations of a working farm. They observed cows grazing, experienced the milking process firsthand in the parlour and got to feed baby calves.
Adding to the experience, Ger Hayes, a milk lorry driver for Lisavaird Co-Op, explained how the milk collection process worked, and how the milk is transported to the Carberry plant in Ballineen to be turned into cheese.
Agri advisor at Lisavaird Co-Op, Declan Buttimer, provided insights into the testing process that ensures milk quality and demonstrated the California mastitis milk test for the group of students.
Representatives from Carbery, Diarmuid Healy and Nicole Whelen, then explained how the milk is made into cheese which is exported across the globe, highlighting the importance of Irish dairy products in international markets.
Denis O'Donovan, a dairy farmer from west Cork, spoke to the students about the important role dairy farmers play in feeding the population.
He highlighted the significance of sustainable farming practices and the responsibility of farmers in producing high-quality dairy products while ensuring animal welfare and environmental care.
“It is crucial that children understand where their food comes from and appreciate the hard work that goes into dairy production," he said.
"These young minds are the future and educating them about farming helps to build a greater connection between consumers and food producers.”
O'Donovan added: "We, the farmers, approached Carbery and our local co-ops to ask if they would support this initiative last year and they did. We hope to encourage more farms to welcome school groups, so we can expand this programme," he added.
Lisavaird Co-Op and Carbery said that it is proud to support initiatives that bridge the gap between farms and schools, ensuring that young people develop an appreciation for the agricultural industry and its contribution to society and to highlight the potential career opportunities associated with the farming sector.
