Thursday, 27 March 2025 16:55

Farmer Time for Schools expands, connecting more students with farmers

Written by Staff Reporters

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Farmer Time for Schools national coordinator Marie Burke.

In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.

The programme was set up by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc to provide Kiwi kids with a glimpse of farm life through live video calls with farmers.

In the past 12 months, the program has achieved a 14.1% increase in student participation.

Marie Burke, Farmer Time for Schools national coordinator, says the programme continues to have a meaningful impact on students, teachers, and farmers.

“This initiative has proven its value time and time again by providing invaluable learning experiences for young Kiwis,” Burke says.

“We see students develop a real connection with the land and their food, while farmers gain a sense of pride in sharing their knowledge,” she adds.

This year, 1,253 students took part in the programme, with 57 farmer-teacher pairings bringing farming and food production to life in the classroom.

The programme covers a range of curriculum areas, including English, science, social sciences, technology, and mathematics. It also introduces students to a range of farm types, including sheep and beef, dairy, deer, horticulture, arable, and beekeeping.

Throughout the year, students explore key farming topics like sustainability, animal care, soil health, technology, and the role the climate plays in food production.

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