School Farm & Country Fair

All the Fun of the Fair - Thursday 26 April 2012

The School Farm & Country Fair is a one day educational event for Suffolk primary schools and is attended by over 3,500 children and teachers. The aim of the day is to enable pupils to connect with how their food is produced and to give them an understanding of farming and its relationship with the management of the countryside.

A unique feature of the day is that each school group is given their very own farmer steward to guide them through the various activities allowing the children direct contact with a member of the farming community. The concept of the Event was created by the Suffolk Agricultural Association in 2001 and other agricultural associations have followed suit to develop similar events around the Country.

The day includes demonstrations such as 'The Farming Year' featuring an impressive range of farm machinery in action, a farrier at work, a sheep dog display and gun dog races. In addition over 50 commercial and voluntary organisations provide interactive displays which demonstrate the great diversity of farming and countryside activities. Pupils are also invited to tour our conservation area and ancient woodland trail to see the practical application of conservation.

The School Farm & Country Fair provides a unique opportunity for the youngest of consumers to connect with how their food is produced and with the people who produce it.

Comments from previous events:

TEACHERS

"We are appreciative of the efforts of all involved in making this such a worthwhile experience – we would welcome a visit from a “farmer ambassador”."

"Without a doubt, this experience for our children has been totally perfect and could only have been improved if the day had been longer!"

"Ideal for years 3 & 4 – used lots of the leaflets as follow up work in school.  Children were very enthusiastic about the trip."

"The children produced some excellent follow up work from this day."

EXHIBITORS

"The event is an excellent opportunity to speak to the teachers direct."

"Overall a very enjoyable and beneficial day.  We were able to reach a wide range of children and we had lots of fun – we would be happy to take part again."

STEWARDS

"Very impressed with the number and content of exhibits and the enthusiasm and effort shown."

"A most enjoyable day – very impressed with the organisation."

 For further information contact Hannah Woods.