Children were given the chance to get up close to a working tractor over the Easter holidays as part of a scheme pioneered by the organisers of the Suffolk Show.
Suffolk Agricultural Association extended its successful Tractors in Schools programme with a special visit to popular attraction Jimmy’s Farm.
SAA education officers joined forces with the farm, based at Wherstead, near Ipswich, to enable children who had not welcomed a tractor into their school through the county-wide initiative to learn about the importance of food, farming and the countryside.
Youngsters got to get up close to a working tractor, talk to people who work in the food, farming and countryside sector and learn more about where and how food is produced.
Both organisations see educating young people about farming and where food comes from in a fun and exciting way as a key priority.
SAA chief executive Phillip Ainsworth said: “Our Tractors in Schools programme has been very successful this year and we visited over 72 schools around the county. It’s important to us that we engage with young people in a fun and exciting way as for many, it is their first experience of meeting a farmer and learning about the farming world.”
Jimmy Doherty, owner and founder of Jimmy’s Farm, said the show and the farm wanted to show the visiting public how their food is produced through a great day out.
“The Suffolk Show shares a common purpose with what we are trying to achieve here at Jimmy’s Farm,” he said.
“We each share a deep-seated commitment to celebrating and showcasing the best local produce there is and providing a place for visitors to meet the people who grow and produce their food to find out the story behind it.
“Like the show, we have a commitment to education programmes that inform young people about food, farming and the countryside and inspire them to work in an increasingly exciting and important industry.”
The Suffolk Show is run and managed by the Suffolk Agricultural Association. As a charity, the SAA’s core purpose is to promote the importance of food, farming and the countryside to the economy and character of Suffolk through the Suffolk Show itself and a series of education programmes aimed at young people in schools and colleges.
This year’s show takes place on Wednesday, June 1, and Thursday, June 2. Tickets are now on sale. Save £6 per ticket by purchasing in advance. Advanced tickets cost £21 and children aged under 15 will once again receive free entry. For more information visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk or call 01473 707117.
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