P1-3 donned their wellies for a visit to High Airyolland as part of their learning about the farming industry.
Mr and Mrs McQuistin kindly took the children of a tour of their farmstead to give the children a sense of land use. They all went up to the top of the hill to view the layout and different usage of the areas such as grazing and a wind turbine.
Dallas the sheepdog was a big hit as he demonstrated herding the sheep under the commands of Mr McQuistin.
The boys and girls observed Highland cows in the fields and learned from Mrs McQuistin that the shorter the horns, the younger the animal. One old girl was 16 years old!
Back down at the main farm area, Mr McQuistin explained the different breeds of sheep – Beltex and Blue Faced Leicester. They also have cross bred sheep from the two which has the lovely name of a Bluebell cross. Mr McQuistin then gave a sheep sheering demonstration. He told the children about how the wool is used. This will link in with the upcoming visit from weavers into the classroom.
Environmental responsibility was discussed as it was explained to the children how any plastic waste on the farm is responsibly disposed of.
No farm visit is complete without seeing a tractor up close. The boys and girls were able to explore it. Mrs McQuistin explained that because farms are so mechanised, you don’t have to be strong to be a farmer and that it can be a career choice for anyone.
The day was a great success, with just about everyone now wishing to become a farmer!
#Successful Learners
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