Last summer, the Swifts decided to grow cotton for the first time and it did not quite work out as they had hoped.
Scorching summer temperatures with no rain coupled with very big rainfalls at picking time saw the fourth generation Tichborne farmers not even able to harvest their crop.
Other than learning a lot from it, Katrina Swift used their cotton experience to help educate 60 Parkes Public Kindergarten students.
“It was a tough learning experience for us, but I wanted to show the students it is OK to fail and to be resilient,” Mrs Swift said.
“It showed the students that even adults don’t get it right the first time and gave me the opportunity to show them all about cotton.
“I took a number of cotton plants at different stages while Honi Anderson from Cotton Australia bundled up a learning package to help.
“I also took in some mung beans and discussed with the students how other countries use them and how they are good for the ground.
“I think the student’s favourite part was showing them how we use drones on the farm.”
