Farmer Time for Schools Continues to Grow, Connecting more Students with Farmers

Farmer Time for Schools Coordinator, Marie Burke

An innovative programme connecting New Zealand school students with farmers has seen further growth in the past 12 months.

Farmer Time for Schools, which provides Kiwi kids in the classroom with a glimpse of farm life through live virtual video calls with farmers, has achieved a 14.1% increase in student participation over the past 12 months.

Farmer Time for Schools National Coordinator Marie Burke says the programme continues to have a meaningful impact on students, teachers, and farmers alike.

“This initiative has proven its value time and time again by providing invaluable learning experiences for young Kiwis. 

“We see students develop a real connection with the land and their food, while farmers gain a sense of pride in sharing their knowledge.” 

This year, 1,253 students took part in the programme, with 57 farmer-teacher pairings bringing farming and food production to life in the classroom. Covering a wide range of curriculum areas including English, science, social science, technology, and maths and statistics.

Farmer Time for Schools introduces students to a variety of farm types, from sheep, beef, dairy, and deer to vegetable, grain, and beekeeping. Throughout the year, students explored key farming topics such as sustainability, animal care, soil health, technology, and the role of climate in food production.
A recent survey of participants reinforced the programme’s impact with teachers and farmers saying they would recommend it for schools.

Teachers praised the programme for providing an engaging way for students to connect with the rural community, supporting inquiry-based learning, and deepening their understanding of where food comes from.

Farmers valued the opportunity to share their stories, inspire future generations, and showcase the career opportunities in the primary industries.

Meanwhile, students enjoyed learning about the diverse roles farmers play and developing a greater appreciation for the hard work and passion behind food and fibre production.

Click here to read the 2024 Farmer Time for Schools Impact Report.