Building on their established rapport with the rural industry, Rabobank are running Farm Experience (FX) Programs to give urban youth the opportunity to experience and gain awareness of life on the land.
The FX Program came about following research undertaken by Rabobank, which showed a concerning lack of knowledge and understanding of farming and rural life among Australian urban teenagers.
This research and the subsequent FX Program are part of a series of activities which have been developed by the bank and its associated Client Councils to help address rural issues, such as the urban/rural divide and contribute to the long-term industry capacity.
Rabobank, Albury branch manager, Peter Evans said the initiative planned to bridge the urban/rural divide.
“We know there is a gap among the young as to the origin of their food,” Mr Evans said.
“This concept involves students working on a farm for a week, and following the ‘paddock to the plate’ supply chain.”
Mr Evans said the program also intends to highlight the opportunities presented in agriculture for career prospects.
Following the success of previous programs held in Griffith, Geraldton, Narrogin, Kadina and Rockhampton, high school students were placed with farming families in the Upper Murray region.
The program gave eight year 10 students from James Fallon High School in Albury the opportunity to spend a week with sixhost farming families – all involved in the dairy industry.
During their time on-farm, the students had the chance to experience farming and farm life, spending time with their hosts undertaking a range of activities and tasks which are part of the normal running of the farm operation.
The students also attended a specially-organised dairy industry tour which included visits to the Murray Goulburn Kiewa milk factory.
Joshua McIntosh, is a student at James Fallon High, and although he is studying agriculture, he has no close connection with the land.
“I’ve not been on a farm before,” Mr McIntosh said.
“I learnt a lot about pastures, the lifestyles of cattle and working with the cows.”
Mr McIntosh said it was a great experience, and he will now consider agriculture as a career choice.
Laurence-Aiden Hake, has previously been on different farms but not on a dairy farm.
“There is so much more to dairy farming than just milking cows,” Mr Hake admitted.
“Farmers are very self-reliant, and I am really impressed by what they do.”
Mr Hake said he really never knew very much about agriculture, but now views the industry with career prospects..
“I think it will be a great opportunity for a career,” he said.
“I also felt like I had achieved something worthwhile during the week.”
Spreading the word was also part of the experience and each student was required to keep a daily diary indicating their experience, which was uploaded on social media.
“We are trying to spread the experience through social media diaries, allowing the student’s peers and family to learn about their farm experience and potential career opportunities through posts on Facebook and Instagram,” Mr Evans said.
“It has been very successful in showcasing their experience, with some of the posts being viewed more than 300 times.”
