'For many of the children, it was their first time on a farm'

More than half of children in Ireland had never seen a cow being milked, according to research from the National Dairy Council (NDC), highlighting a growing disconnect between young people and how their food was produced.

The findings showed that 56% of children under 12 had not witnessed milking, with the figure higher again among urban families. In response, the NDC’s School Farm Visits initiative returned for a second year, bringing almost 1,500 pupils from 25 schools onto working dairy farms across the country during May.

Among the host farmers was Wicklow dairy producer Tom Short, a Tirlán supplier based in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, who welcomed 250 students to his farm.

The farm currently milks close to 100 cows, with plans to grow numbers over time, supported by significant improvements in grazing infrastructure, water systems and handling facilities.

“For a lot of these children, it was their first time on a farm,” Short said. “They saw milk every day, but didn’t always understand the work behind it. When they stood in the parlour and watched cows being milked, it really made sense to them.”

Bringing learning to life

During the visit, students rotated through a series of stations covering grassland management, milking, animal care, nutrition and food traceability.

It was a good way to explain the care that goes into farming. While there can be misconceptions about animal welfare in Ireland, seeing it first-hand highlighted the care involved in rearing calves, from automatic feeders to straw bedding and more. It is something we hope will stay with them

“The milking parlour was always the highlight,” Short said. “You could see the reaction straight away. For many of them, it was their first time seeing it happen in real life.”

Students also visited calves, where they learned about animal welfare and calf care on a dairy farm.

“There was great interest in the calves,” he said. “It was a good way to explain the care that goes into farming. While there can be misconceptions about animal welfare in Ireland, seeing it first-hand highlighted the care involved in rearing calves, from automatic feeders to straw bedding and more. It is something we hope will stay with them.”

The children also had the opportunity to learn about the importance of the NDC Guarantee trademark and how it represents the journey of milk from grass to glass. They learned about the importance of choosing milk that is farmed and produced in the Republic of Ireland, while also supporting farmers and rural communities across the country. At the end of the day, they each received a carton of Avonmore milk, supplied by Tirlán, which they enjoyed fresh after their visit.

Reconnecting children with food production

The School Farm Visits initiative formed part of the wider EU School Milk Scheme, which provides milk to schools alongside educational supports that promote healthy diets and awareness of food origins.

National Dairy Council, CEO, Emma Walls said the programme was designed to bridge the widening gap between consumers and farming.

“The School Farm Visits helps 'National Dairy Council deliver across all our objectives: championing farming and protecting the social licence to produce, promoting milk consumption, and showcasing the trademark as the distinguishing symbol of Irish dairy in a single project that delivers value for money.”

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Schools interested in the School Milk Scheme can find out more at www.moocrew.ie/schoolmilk.