Thousands of Second Level Agricultural Science Students Take to the Fields
Over 3,000 secondary school students studying Agricultural Science are participating in Agri Aware’s Farm Walk and Talk 2012 this week across the six Teagasc colleges and UCD Lyons Estate. Farm Walk and Talk provides students with an excellent understanding of the practical elements of the Agricultural Science syllabus. Farm Walk and Talk is organised by Agri Aware, in conjunction with Teagasc, IASTA and UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.Over 3,000 secondary school students studying Agricultural Science are participating in Agri Aware’s Farm Walk and Talk 2012 this week across the six Teagasc colleges and UCD Lyons Estate. Farm Walk and Talk provides students with an excellent understanding of the practical elements of the Agricultural Science syllabus. Farm Walk and Talk is organised by Agri Aware, in conjunction with Teagasc, IASTA and UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
This year, Meat Industry Ireland and representatives from ABP, Dawn Meats, Dunbia, Kepak, Liffey Meats and the Craft Butchers share their knowledge and expertise of the meat industry with second level Agricultural Science students, by providing educational talks and presentations on meat-related elements of the Agricultural Science syllabus. An information leaflet on the meat processing industry was prepared for students by Agri Aware, in conjunction with Meat Industry Ireland.
Agricultural Science teachers from 100 secondary schools nationwide booked Walk and Talk places for their classes via Agri Aware’s website (www.agriaware.ie) and within days, places for Farm Walk and Talk were booked out.
Speaking at the launch of Farm Walk and Talk in Gurteen Agricultural College, Co. Tipperary, Minister of State Shane McEntee commented, “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Agri Aware for the excellent work they do in promoting the Agricultural Science curriculum. Graduates of agricultural courses not only return to farm the land but also contribute in many sectors of the agricultural industry, including Co-Ops, trade suppliers and agricultural businesses. We must ensure the continued supply of highly trained and motivated young people.”
Agri Aware Chairman Bernard Donohue said, “Agri Aware’s Farm Walk and Talks provide students with a greater understanding of the textbook theory. Students experience the various farming techniques that they read so much about and have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a working farm covering topics from soils and fertilisers to silage making and livestock. This is our third year to host the Farm Walk and Talk in association with Teagasc and UCD. We have been astounded by the popularity of the events and look forward to hosting many more walks in the future.”
Dr Mary Forrest, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science commented that UCD were delighted to be associated with the Farm Walk and Talk event and that staff members in the School of Agriculture and Food Science were looking forward to welcoming students to the UCD Lyons Research Farm where a number of exciting and relevant practical demonstrations will take place.
Paddy Browne, Head of Education in Teagasc commented, “We are delighted to join again with Agri Aware and UCD in hosting the 2012 Farm Walk and Talks at our Agriculture Colleges. We hope as Leaving Cert students sit their Agricultural Science exam in June, they will remember their visit to their local Teagasc or private college and the practical lessons they learned. We are delighted to work with Agri Aware on this venture and look forward to continuing this practical education for students.”
Left to right Dr Mary Forrest, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Minister of State, Shane McEntee, Agri Aware Chairman Bernard Donohue, Paddy Browne, Head of Education Teagasc and Dr Vanessa Woods, Executive Director Agri-Aware.