LEAF students experience hands-on learning at active dairy farm
December 18, 2018
PALMERSTON, Ontario – On December 6, the Norwell District Secondary School LEAF (Local Environmental Agriculture and Food) program visited the Daisy Meadow Dairy Farm for a hands-on learning experience.
This farm is the family farm of former Upper Grand District School Board Trustee Bruce Schieck. Schieck was a trustee for the board for 27 years, now he continues to help on the family farm while his son Gary runs daily operation.
During the day, the LEAF students were divided into two groups. One group observed and participated in evaluating cow health with the Daisy Meadow vet. Students listened to the heart rate of the cows as well as their stomachs.
Students also had the chance to observe a general health exam where the vet reached into the cow to check the pregnancy of a cow. A LEAF student was also given this opportunity later in the day. Students and staff were also given the chance to view an ultrasound of the fetus.
The second group of students met with a Lely farm manager and learned about agricultural careers and the Lely milking robot. The LEAF class saw firsthand how technology can help run a dairy farm and improve cow health.
LEAF students will continue their journey into discovering the career opportunities in agriculture and thank the Schieck family for the day of learning.
Categories: News Tags: Experiential Learning