Demonstration dairy

August 2017 | David Claridge

STUDENTS WILL get great benefits out of stage one of a redevelopment of the Hagley Farm Visitors Centre with a new, state-of-the-art dairy demonstration shed.

The shed, co-funded by the State Government and DairyTas, will provide students and visitors the opportunity to see a cow being milked and learn all about the process.

Lead Teacher of Agricultural Education, Andrew Harris, has revealed that, of the estimated 5000 visitors a year, less than 20 percent actually got the opportunity to see cows being milked.

“Previously, we were milking 60 cows as part of our farm enterprise. Through our future directions program we realised there was a disconnect between that enterprise and the education divisions,” he said.

“Now, when visitors are here, we can put one or two cows through our milking unit. They can all see it so it becomes a performance, a presentation, as opposed to part of the enterprise, instead of having 60 cows go through the dairy twice a day with very few students having access to the process.”

“The new shed is set up to be an interactive experience.  Students will sit in tiered seating and there are TVs on the wall linked to a camera so we can get up close. The students can see every part of the process, while the person doing the milking can explain things and take their time.

Around the room will be interactive things to give students a deeper understanding of the dairy industry.”

The Dairy Shed is a key part of the newly named Mick Davy Farm Circle for Agricultural Learning, in recognition of the former principal’s vision and leadership at Hagley.

Stage Two of the project includes a shearing demonstration shed, while Stage Three will include a cropping classroom and a farming technologies hub.

Photo | Mike Moores