IN the recent school holidays 65 students from various schools within the Nambucca Valley converged on Bowraville Central School for a unique learning experience.

The ‘Agriculture Matters Youth Workshop’ was developed by the NSW Farmers Nambucca River Branch to give local students an insight into the local agricultural industry and the strong role it plays in our local economy and environment.

“The hands-on practical day gave students the opportunity to look at and experience a range of agribusiness enterprises and practical skills,” said Megan Cochrane, Community Liaison Officer, Bowraville Central School.

Students were treated with a farm visit to Barru Working Kelpies.

Owners Scott and Trish Armon gave the students insights into how they successfully farm 100 acres to produce an income capable of supporting themselves.

The students were shown the basics of working dog training and livestock handling techniques.

One of the highlights of course was watching the twelve-week-old kelpie pups demonstrate their instinct and aptitude to working stock at such a young age.

Students then returned to Bowraville Central School for a BBQ lunch and activity stations.

The ‘Pets & Critters’ petting zoo was on site with an array of baby animals ready to be cuddled.

Students potted up some herbs, took part in creating some agriculture art and craft, getting the opportunity to lead some of Bowraville Central Schools stud and dairy cattle.

In the afternoon students took part in two workshops.

Steve and Trudi from Little Star Bee Sanctuary gave students the opportunity to taste a variety of local honeys.

They explained the importance of both native and European bees in the pollination and production of agricultural products.

Students tried their hand at making beeswax candles.

Bowraville Central School Ag Teacher Lori Wilson ran a workshop on future foods where students learnt about the process of farming insects and the reasons why edible insects will feature heavily in the future of food production.

Students taste tested mealworms and crickets before cooking choc chip cricket biscuits.

The afternoon rounded off with students receiving a gift bag filled with local agricultural produce and information.

NSW Farmers Nambucca River Branch would like to thank the following organisations for funding and supporting the inaugural Ag Matters Youth Workshop and they hope similar workshops could be undertaken in the future; the Bushfire community recovery and resilience fund (BCCRFF), Nambucca Valley Council, NSW State Government, Bowraville Central School and Norco.

By Karen GRIBBIN