Hundreds of children attend inaugural Farming Experience Day in Cumbria

More than 300 primary school children from across Cumbria came together this month for the inaugural Farming Experience Day, designed to showcase the importance of food and farming and inspire the next generation to consider careers in the industry.

Children aged between two and 11 from 12 schools across the county attended the one-day event organised by Morland Area C of E School near Penrith on Friday 23 May.

Pupils took part in a range of hands-on activities designed to teach them where food comes from and to introduce them to the wider agricultural sector.

The school worked alongside a range of local and national businesses and organisations (*see bottom of article), which provided interactive activities for children throughout the day. These included sheep shearing demonstrations, stock judging competitions, tractor-themed games, crafts and a sheepdog demonstration from well-known sheepdog trainer Katy Cropper.

The day also highlighted the success of Morland Area School’s Farming Club, which has been running for the past five years and gives pupils regular opportunities to visit farms, attend industry events and learn more about the agricultural sector.

One of the event organisers and teacher, Emma Williamson, said it was vital that children understood both the importance of where their food comes from and the opportunities available within the industry.

“This day is as much about showing children how important agriculture is as it is about encouraging other schools to set up their own farming clubs,” she said.

Event organiser Kate Elliott added: “We strongly believe that we should celebrate the work that children from farming families do day in, day out and recognise the hard work of the wider farming community.

“There are so many careers within the industry, requiring a huge range of skills, and this is something we should recognise as educators and help children to aspire to. Farming offers diverse and rewarding opportunities for young people with many different interests and skill sets.”

Event organiser Caroline Armstrong added: “We are delighted to have had so many schools and businesses involved in making the day happen, and it has been fantastic to see the children enjoying every aspect of the experience.”

*Businesses and organisations involved: Westmorland County Show, LEAF, First Milk, SmartSTEMS, MB Nutrition, Jenkinsons, Carrs Billington, Frame and Swift Vets, Rural Crime Policing Team, North West Auction, Lloyds Ltd and Abbott Lodge Jersey Ice Cream Farm, Rickerbys, Penrith Auction and H and H Auction Kirkby Stephen. Mark Curr provided a clipping demonstration and stock was provided by local farmer Phil Armstrong.