P5 and 6 were given the opportunity to visit Balgracie Dairy farm as part of a R.H.E.T. organised initiative. The pupils were given a guided tour and an explanation of farm processes that apply technology, science and engineering to carry out tasks. They learned about the many, many jobs that are required to keep a healthy and productive dairy stock and how farming is undertaken in an environmentally responsible way.
All the milk from Balgracie farm goes to Nestle to make Kit-Kat chocolate. We were treated to a few ‘biccies’ to take home with us to sample after our visit!
The children then applied their recount writing skills to share their experience with their partnership Glow e-buddies.
See below for an example of recount writing from Ruby P5:
All about Balgracie Farm! Ruby Rankin P5
Introduction:
Today P5-6 went to Balgracie farm on the 29.10.19 at the farm. We learned about dairy farming.
Arrival:
When we arrived we had to dip our feet into a soapy bucket to kill any germs so we didn’t infect the animals. Then, Mrs Mc Nicoll gave use a pair of gloves and we were not allowed to take our gloves off.
Baby calves:
Next, we went to see baby calves. They were all six weeks old. They had blue or red tags on their ears. Blue was for boys and red was for girls. When the calves are born they have to get colostrum milk within six hours or they get ill.
Milking parlour:
After we saw the baby calves we went to see the milking parlour. Mr Drennan showed us the milking pumps they use to automatically milk the cows. He demonstrated the automatic nut feeder that gives the cows food to eat whilst they are being milked. He also showed us a yellow cream that you put in the udders so they don’t get bugs.
Sleeping barn:
Next, he showed us the cow beds. They were made out of rubber. There was a motorised pooper scooper to clean away any slurry. The slurry is used as fertiliser for the fields.
# Successful Learners
