Students learn how their food gets from the farm to their plate
Students in Brant County are getting a hands-on learning experience in the agri-food industry.
The Bite of Brant event, held at the Burford Fairgrounds on April 9 and 10, hopes to inspire a new generation of farmers.
Students from public, Catholic and private schools got a front-row seat to see how apple cider is made, how cows are milked and the process for grinding wheat to make flour for pizza dough, among many other aspects of food production.
“It’s an agriculture awareness program where students at the Grade 5 level participate in various hands-on activities so that they can learn more about the source of their locally-produced food and gain an appreciation for how it is produced,” explained Jean Emmott, the committee chair for Bite of Brant.
On Tuesday, there were a total of 20 stations set up to represent the different aspects of the agri-food industry. The goal is to help these young minds better understand where their food comes from and the vital role it plays in our lives.
“Agriculture is the number one industry in Brant County,” said Emmott. “It contributes both to the economy of the country as well as the basis for many parts of our society.”
Many of the students were impressed with what they saw at the fairgrounds.
“At the maple syrup station here we learned that it takes 40 litres of [sap] to make one bottle,” said attendee Giacomo Sgrignuoli-Gibbs.
“I learned that it only can turn into a cow when it has a calf,” another attendee, Ava Xurieb, said.
They weren’t the only ones seeing value in the immersive learning experience.
“They’re not stuck in a classroom,” added teacher Penny Thom. “They’re outdoors and they get to hear about things that maybe has a little bit of interest but they don’t know a lot about yet.”
Students also got a lesson in the importance of buying local and potential career opportunities.
“For every graduate, there are opportunities for eight positions in the agri-food industry,” explained Emmott.
One student who CTV News spoke to on Tuesday already had her heart set on one job in particular.
“Taking care of pigs,” explained Xurieb.
Attendees at Bite of Brant also got to observe live animals, explore farm equipment and learn more about environmental land stewardship. Organizers call it an important learning experience as the students are current consumers as well as future decision-makers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING Police make arrests in killing of B.C. Sikh activist, source confirms
Police have made arrests in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a senior government source has confirmed to CTV News.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Supreme Court orders new trial for B.C. francophone who was not given French option
The Supreme Court is ordering a new trial for a francophone man in British Columbia who says he was not informed of his right to have a trial in the official language of his choice.