Crookwell High School recently hosted a successful Agriculture Day, aimed at inspiring students to become informed environmental and agricultural stewards. The event, a collaboration with local conservation initiatives and agriculture organisations, focused on building community resilience in the face of challenges like drought.

Agriculture Teacher Brett Woods and Primary Industries Teacher Chris Wilson from CHS, along with Clare McCabe of K2W Link Inc, Eaton Gorge Theatre Company (EGTC), Upper Lachlan Landcare (ULL), NSW Farmers Poultry Meat Manager David Banham, and Kristen Frost, Industry Relations Officer at Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) all came together to help young people learn about agriculture and environmental science.

Chris Wilson, the primary industries teacher at CHS, emphasised the importance of providing students with information about drought resilience and encouraging them to pursue diverse opportunities within the agricultural sector.

“This event brought together students and industry experts to discuss topics to help students to consider a career in agriculture, understanding of land management and the challenges presented by our changing climate,” said Mr Wilson.

Clare McCabe of K2W Link, along with directors Juliet Scrine and Ian McColm from EGTC, held an improvisation workshop to engage students in learning about resilient communities. The Theatre Company’s role was to provide a creative platform for students to express their understanding of resilience in the face of challenges like drought.

The workshop titled “Thrive Through Drought”, aimed to prepare them for the challenges of drought and help them understand the economic pressure faced by the community and their direct families or friends’ families to help them build resilience and be prepared for difficult circumstances and conversations that will inevitably occur.

“The students’ active participation was a key element of the event. They worked together to write and perform a short play for their peers, showing how drought may impact the wider community. These performances encouraged them to work together while improving their confidence, which will support them during tough times,” Clare said.

Agriculture Day marks the beginning of the K2W Thrive Through Drought initiative, a partnership supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Future events will be planned over the coming months to help the local community be better prepared for future droughts.

AWI and NSW Farmers aimed to help young people successfully transition from school into further education and employment in agriculture-related industries. They presented students with information about collaboration between industry and NSW Farmers and promoted agribusiness career opportunities.

The Paddock to Plate lunch was sponsored by ULL, where the students used produce from their school farm for the plate.

“It was a chance for the students to use what they produce at the farm. They were extremely proud to produce a delicious lunch from the produce they have grown themselves,” Mr. Woods said.

A screening of Rachel’s Farm also supported by ULL was attended by St Mary’s Primary School students and provided information about regenerative farming practices.