‘It’s great for them to learn where our food comes from’

The stimulating visit gave Year 5-6 pupils from Utterby, North Thoresby and North Somercotes the opportunity to learn all about where our food comes from, how farm animals are bred, and even the chance to take part in an exhilarating ‘mock auction’ to round off their visit.

A firm favourite amongst the youngsters was the chance to climb aboard a £140,000 tractor, kindly loaned by Lincolnshire Motors.

The educational day was the brainchild of Oliver Chapman, a Louth Young Farmer and county stock judging coordinator, who will implement the event into his ongoing Agriculture degree

at Riseholme College.

Oliver said: “I decided to organise this day as I feel education around food production is very limited, if available at all, to the younger generations.

“With this being the only day of its kind in the area, I think it is going to have a great benefit to all students and schools attending.

“With the Louth (Cattle) Market having been saved, it was a good opportunity to utilise the facilities that are here.

“Part of the saving of the market was finding a different way of utilising it and make sure we’re using it more than just one day a week, so we’ve found a way that is also educational at the same time, so we’ve been able to kill two birds with one stone.

“I’ve organised it all, and as much hard work as it’s been, I think it’s all paid off in the end.

“We’ve had positive feedback, and hopefully we can do similar events in the future.

“It’s come together fantastically, and my thanks go to Masons for allowing the use of the market facilities for free, and Russell the cattle auctioneer coming along to run the mock auction, and everyone else who has supported us with this.”

Jayne Lawrence, who brought along pupils from North Thoresby Primary Academy, said her pupils had really embraced the event.

She said: “It’s been really good, and all of the pupils have really enjoyed it. Absolutely brilliant. The tractor was quite a big hit, I must admit, and so was stroking the lamb - but I think they have enjoyed all of it, to be honest.”

Victoria Cass, Y6 teacher at North Somercotes Primary Academy, added: “It’s been really nice to see the children that come from farming backgrounds shine, particularly the children who don’t find the academic side of school quite as easy.

“To see them being proud of it is good, because we are in a community where farming still is a big deal, and it’s nice for the other children to see that, and understand the importance of it.

“It’s been really good for them to see the ins-and-outs of farming, and how important it is still to life.”

Pick up this week's Leader for more pictures from the event.