Farming ChampionsIn today’s fast-paced, urban-centric world, many children are growing up increasingly disconnected from the natural world and the animals that inhabit it. However, there’s immense value in exposing children to farm animals, not only for educational purposes but also to instil empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the circle of life.
Farming families embody resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the land, nurturing crops, livestock, and communities. Children raised in farming families gain a unique understanding of the cycle of life and the importance of stewardship and respect for the land and its inhabitants. While children in metro areas may not have the same direct exposure to farm animals, initiatives such as agricultural education programs, farm visits, and community gardens offer opportunities for urban youth to gain a similar understanding of farming practices and rural life. At Farmer On Your Plate, we have a petting zoo, horse rides, and a sheep shearing demonstration as some of the many free activities on event day to help connect children and adults alike to the farming experience. We hope to provide metro children with new memories of their encounters with farm animals—whether it’s cuddling lambs, bottle-feeding calves, or riding ponies—that become cherished moments that they carry with them into adulthood.
Many children of farming families that grow up in remote towns spend their days interacting with farm animals, gathering eggs from the henhouse, feeding chickens, mucking out stalls, herding sheep, or taking a leisurely ride on horseback, these activities promote exercise, fresh air, and a sense of adventure through outdoor play. Rural, remote, and regional children develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Knowing that the food we eat comes from farm animals is important for children’s education. Unlike the neatly packaged meat found in supermarkets, farm life offers a tangible connection to the origins of our food—it doesn’t come from a box. In addition to teaching children about the practicalities of the circle of life, it’s crucial to address their understanding of food sources and consumption. The 2002 book Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser claimed “Children often recognise the McDonald’s logo before they recognise their own name.” A 2005 study found that 69% of all three-year-olds could identify the McDonald’s golden arches – while half of all four-year-olds did not know their own name. While these statistics are heavily influenced by advertising, they underscore the significant role children play in family consumption decisions. A recent Australian project found children are not consuming enough vegetables and is now developing tools and interventions to increase vegetable intake by Australian kids. As parents and educators, it’s essential to provide children with a well-rounded understanding of food production and the journey from farm to table. By instilling an appreciation for the circle of life and the origins of their food, we can shift their focus from processed, fast food to healthier, farm-fresh alternatives.
Exposing children to farm life can be complemented by engaging them in cooking at home with their parents. This not only creates an awareness of choosing local, healthy produce but also teaches valuable life skills. Cooking together as a family helps children develop into adventurous eaters, willing to try new foods and flavours. It improves their overall well-being and physical development, as they learn about nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet.
Cooking at home offers a multitude of educational benefits. Following recipes helps children develop language, math, and science skills, as they read instructions, measure ingredients, and observe chemical reactions during cooking. It also sparks creativity as they experiment with flavours and presentation. Sharing meals made from local produce further reinforces the connection between farm and plate, making children more conscious consumers as they grow up.
Explaining the circle of life in a practical, non-emotive way can help convey the message, emphasising that farm animals are not sexualised beings but rather valued members of the agricultural ecosystem. Teaching children about the importance of treating animals with respect, even in death, is paramount. While animals cannot communicate their feelings verbally, as humans do, it’s crucial to instil empathy and understanding in children about the care and responsibility involved in raising animals for food.
Many farm animals are bred specifically for food production, and it’s essential to convey to children that these animals wouldn’t have had a life at all if they weren’t raised for food. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of farmers and caretakers to respect and care for these animals throughout their lives, ensuring they are well looked after until they fulfil their purpose of nourishing others. This practical approach to discussing the circle of life helps children appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings and their role in sustaining one another. In this way, farm animals become valuable teachers in the lessons of life and death, fostering a deeper understanding of our connection to the natural world and the food we consume.
