Waikato: Dairy Science at Owl Farm - Yr11 & 12

Designed for Year 11 and 12 Science, Gepgraphy and Agriculture students. The day offers plenty of interaction and activities throughout to keep students engaged and learning.

If you have any questions please get in contact with Lauren Roberts ([email protected]). Please make us aware of any relavant medical conditions, accessiblity, or learning needs that need to be considered so students can have the best opportunity to learn and enjoy the day.

The following information will be provided...

• Run sheet of the day with timings (starts at 10am - 2pm)
• Parking instructions
• A safety plan for the event
• Pre and post online survey link

Info: Welcome to Owl Farm and a bit about the farm and health and safety for the day. Followed by a quick warm up quiz called "What type of cow are you" - introducing some of the different cow breeds and their unique characteristics that has been achieved through breeding.

Info: Cow behaviour and animal behaviour are often similar and relatable. Students explore this idea through decision making and modelling cow behaviour through role play. Then we explore what cow collar data tells use about the social status and well-being of cows and that the amount of milk produced is not the only metric/ measured that should be used.

Info: Head out onto the farm and learn about nitrogen leaching at its source. Science has shown that the biggest source of nitrogen leaching is urine from cows, and cows urine is high in nitrogen because we feed them a nitrogen heavy diet. Identify the different pasture species by decoding a pasture poem and then give two of them a taste (or rip them up in your hands) to discover more about their nutrition. The relationship between plants, animals and soils are further explored using modelling and experiments. On the way back is the technology scavenger hunt which includes a walk through the milking shed.

Info: Students have lunch (bring your own) and then have the option to try the fake milk-able udders, or head out with Jo or Lauren to see what a few of the cows would prefer to eat if given the option. Or finish off and submit the technology scavenger hunt (if they haven't done so already) for a chance to win a prize. A chance to relax, ask questions or do one of the activities.

Info: This is where students get to apply their knowledge and understanding by getting into groups to manage a fictional Waikato Dairy Farm. Students are given a situation and using the information available need to pick which decision they think is best. Depending on their decision the group will either get positive or negative decision making points. Along the way they come across the various primary sector roles and careers within the farming community. A fun student driven game that leads to a lot of discussion and conservation along the way.

Info: Time to wrap up the day with prizes.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Lauren Roberts, Farms Educational Facilitator, Lincoln University