Adopt a Farmer drought appeal: Beenleigh school embraces farm life

As The Courier-Mail launches its Adopt a Farmer campaign, kids are getting up close and personal with life on the land. HOW YOU CAN HELP

LEARNING the ways of life on the farm has become a much-loved part of the day at Beenleigh State High School.

Here kids count cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens as their classmates, with the school passionate about teaching their students the ins and outs of where their food comes from.

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Principal Matt O’Hanlon said as a historically rural community, the school had always intertwined agricultural lessons with traditional class time, and also boasted a thriving strawberry patch.

He said though some rural properties still existed nearby, generally the school was giving city kids an insight into the real life challenges and joys of farm life.

“It gives them an understanding of food production, whether that be cropping, seeing our beehives produce honey or working with cattle, we can showcase the way it gets from the farm to the table,” he said.

Isabel Sammes, 17, and Matthew Paton, 17, at Beenleigh State High School, which has its own farm. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner.

Mr O’Hanlon said recent extreme weather events and the impact it has had on Queensland farming communities had resonated with the students.

“They certainly understand that farming is very dependent on climate, and that you are beholden to Mother Nature,” he said.

Head of agriculture Peta Lenane said the students had a glimpse into the impact drought could have on farming properties, when it had a local effect.

“We can still be short of grain, and we copped the hay shortage like everyone else,” she said.

“Of course it’s not like out in other places, but it gives us an opportunity to talk through those issues with the kids, and they get quite passionate about it.”