From extracting DNA from strawberries to grinding wheat into flour, hundreds of Western Australian primary school students got a hands-on taste of agriculture during the Royal Agricultural Society of WA's first Junior Farmer Day pilot at Claremont Showground.
Supported by the Western Australian Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the program introduced students to the people, science and technology behind the food and fibre we use every day.
Students from Midvale Primary School, Mosman Park School for the Deaf, St Helena's Catholic Primary School and St Gerard's Catholic Primary School rotated through six interactive sessions exploring plant genetics, poultry, pigs, grains, wool and agricultural technology.
Along the way, they learnt how wool is processed, discovered what livestock need to stay healthy, and saw how innovations such as drones are changing the way farmers work.
The program was developed by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA's Education team and includes classroom resources supplied by Kimberlin Education, helping teachers connect the excursion with the Western Australian Curriculum before and after the visit.
Royal Agricultural Society of WA Experiential Design & Exhibition Lead Alaric Korb said Junior Farmer Day was designed to give students a meaningful connection to agriculture.
"Junior Farmer Day gave students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural experiences in a hands-on and engaging environment.
"For many students, this is their first direct experience with agriculture, livestock, grains and farming technology. Programs like this help young Western Australians understand where their food and fibre come from, while sparking curiosity about the future of the industry."
DPIRD Primary Industries Workforce Capability Manager Brad Armstrong said the pilot also highlighted the wide range of careers available across the agricultural sector.
"The pilot was a great opportunity to showcase the diverse primary industries career opportunities through fun and engaging activities, giving students an insight into everything from plant genetics and animal welfare to shearing, wool handling and agricultural technology."
Junior Farmer Day is part of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA's commitment to helping young people understand agriculture through engaging, real-world learning experiences and strengthening the connection between classrooms and one of Western Australia's most important industries.
