NFU Cymru Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Erin McNaught talks to children about dairy calves
Pupils from a host of primary schools in and around Wrexham and Ruthin were invited to Coleg Llysfasi on Wednesday 8th June for a lesson in food and farming, delivered by the fantastic volunteers from the Cows on Tour team. The educational event was one of a number of activities NFU Cymru has co-ordinated as part of the first ever Celebration of Welsh Food & Farming Week.
Children in attendance at the Cows on Tour food and farming showpiece at Coleg Llysfasi were able to learn about all the agricultural sectors as part of their visit. Activities and learning opportunities on offer to pupils included shearing and milking demonstrations, a lesson in cooking red meat and vegetables, butter making, learning about grain and flour, looking at farm machinery and understanding how farms generate renewable energy, as well as meeting a wide range of farmyard friends.
NFU Cymru Deputy President and Cows on Tour co-founder Abi Reader said: “It was spectacular to have 550 children join us at Coleg Llysfasi today to learn more about the farm to fork story. For many of these children it was the first time they’d set foot in an agricultural environment of any sort, so the levels of excitement were very high, and the Cows on Tour team were certainly kept on their toes providing answers to a wide range of questions provided by the pupils.
“As farmers, we recognise that engaging with the next generation of consumers is very important. It’s vital that children really understand how natural, healthy, sustainable food is produced and ends up on the supermarket shelves and in their homes. Opportunities like this are also incredibly rewarding for us as farmers; the passion and enthusiasm on show from the schoolchildren was infectious and I think all of our farming volunteers left with a spring in their step after such a positive experience.
“It would not have been possible without the very generous support of our hosts, Coleg Llysfasi, as well all those volunteers and fellow industry stakeholders who gave up their time to join us and help us provide a positive lasting impression of Welsh agriculture. Thank you and well done to everyone involved.”
For more information about NFU Cymru’s Celebration of Welsh Food & Farming Week activities, please visit the NFU Cymru website.