Scenic Rim primary school students were immersed in rural life during the Beaudesert Show’s Ag Ed program.
The children received first-hand lessons from experts and agricultural insiders across a range of industries, including dairy, goats, poultry, grains, beef and sheep shearing,
They also studied relevant topics such as biosecurity, sustainability, farm safety, pests, wildlife and Australia’s living history.
Aboriginal elders, Queensland Fire and Rescue, Coles, the Animal Welfare League, Australian Bush Buddies and Daughters of Dairy farmers were among the groups with representatives on hand educating the keen young agriculturalists of the future.
Organiser David Wilson said the program aimed to spread awareness of the agricultural industry and taught the kids why it was so vitally important.
“It teaches them where the food comes from and takes them through the whole process from the paddock to the plate,” he said.
“From how it’s produced to where it’s produced, and even distribution.”
Mr Wilson said highlighting the significance of agriculture was becoming increasingly important because the Scenic Rim was changing and new housing developments meant many residents were now completely removed from agriculture.
The passionate teacher hopes greater understanding of the vital role played by agriculture within society will see farmers supported at all times in the future, not just during periods of extreme drought and hardship.
“Hopefully, people won’t need prompting to support them in the future,” Mr Wilson said.
Beaudesert is one of the only regional shows in Queensland to still hold the hugely popular and engaging Ag Ed program.
This year, up to 500 year four, five and six pupils from Kooralbyn International School, Rathdowney State School, St Mary’s College, Darlington State School, Hillview State School, Gleneagle State School and Veresdale State School took part in the interactive sessions.