Research reveals close to half (45 per cent) of Year 6 kids don’t know their lunchbox items originate from farms and an even bigger number (80 per cent) of primary school students having no idea how modern milk is produced; data likely compounded by the fact that 55 per cent of school aged children had never visited a farm.
Back by popular demand and to help bridge this educational gap, Norco re-launched its ‘Grass to Glass’ farm experience at EKKA this year in an effort to bring a greater level of understanding about dairy farming, agriculture and food origins.
The multi-sensory ‘Grass to Glass’ display combined AR technology and real-life farm experiences to showcase each step of the farming process, via a three-zone learning trail where guests can move from the working farm to the Norco factory, while sampling Norco milk.
Norco supplier Warren Gallagher said it was important to show the next generation how farms operate and to help educate on where their food actually comes from.
“As a parent, I know how fussy kids can be with their food but they also love it when they get to choose their favourite breakfast or dinner,” Warren said.
“The dining table is a great place to start having fun and engaging conversations about where our favourite foods come from.
“I grew up on a dairy farm, so I was lucky enough to connect what I saw around me with what was being put on the table in front of me.
“But of course, that’s not the case for all kids, which is likely why there’s may be a divide between farming and the food they eat.”
To enhance education and play for all attendees, the three sensory zones also included a mix of outdoor games, a cinema experience with farm and factory tour videos, educational facts and an augmented reality game series called Cow’s Play.
There was also the opportunity to attend several milking demonstrations throughout the day, learn how to make cream and butter, and try their hand at milking a cow.
Norco’s commercial and strategy general manager Ben Menzies said Norco’s continued investment and participation at EKKA reflected its commitment to championing Aussie dairy farmers and the integral role they play in Australia’s rural communities.
“EKKA is a beloved and iconic event for Queenslanders, and to be part of it for many years is an absolute honour,” Ben said.
“It’s always a wonderful time where country and city communities come together to celebrate the best of Queensland’s agricultural industry and have some good wholesome family fun that is remembered for years to come.”
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