Each week, the fifth-class students from Boyne Community College, Co Meath, are covering topical issues in the news relevant to agriculture.

Recognising the challenges and uncertainties farmers are facing, particularly in recent times, they want to learn by speaking to farmers directly.

As a result, they are inviting farmers from the local area of Trim to join them on Friday 16 January to share their knowledge with the next generation of Irish farmers.

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According to their teacher Laura Murphy, the idea of a mentorship programme arose from students wanting to connect farmers and food producers.

“The Irish Farmers Journal arrives at our school every Thursday, we read it in class to look at topical issues in the news each week.

"We also watch relevant clips of Ear to the Ground to support student learning in agricultural science.

Discussions

"From these discussions, the idea for the 'Future farmers mentorship programme' arose. We often talk about the challenges Irish farmers are facing, especially in recent times, and also recognise that farming in Ireland today can be stressful and isolating at times.

"I felt that the students could play a role in their community by connecting with local farmers, supporting the quality of Irish food production and learning from the real-life experiences farmers have."

Laura has always believed that talking is powerful learning.

“By connecting the school community with the farming community, we hope to bridge the gap, create opportunities and allow space for a more personal, valuable learning environment.

"The students are passionate about their future and this initiative can help them understand how best to start as young farmers and see the potential careers in agriculture,” she explains.

They are hoping this programme will facilitate learning, connect people and shine a light on the positive side of Irish agriculture and the important role farming plays in the country.

This coffee morning will kickstart their ‘Future farmers mentorship programme’, where they are hoping to build a network of opportunities, connections along with combating rural isolation.