Cereals event to inspire urban students with new tour
11th June 2023
Cereals is opening its doors to 60 urban school children for the first time this year, to inspire them to look at potential careers in farming, engineering, science and technology.
The 14-15-year-olds are coming from schools in Nottingham, Loughborough, Derby and Leicester, and very few have had any exposure to agriculture before.
“This will be a great experience for the pupils and possibly open their minds to a future career in agriculture,” says Chris Ingram, design and technology teacher at Lees Brook Academy, Derby.
Dirt and Discovery Day at Cereals 2023
Organised by Natalie Noble at Agri-hub, alongside NFU Education – Cereals’ equality, diversity and inclusion partner – the visit will include tours of the NIAB Soil Hole, Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena, and exhibitors like Rothamsted Research, Newcastle University and Harper Adams University to learn about the latest innovation and research.
Science teacher at Nottingham Girls’ Academy, Syra Mahmood says the Dirt and Discovery Day will give students the opportunity to see cutting edge farm machinery, drones and robotics in action, alongside interacting with young, diverse role models in farming.
“This trip not only enhances the national curriculum but gives students from different backgrounds the opportunity to gain culture capital and knowledge. Girls are under-represented in STEM and so I hope this trip will drive interest in it and show how exciting and diverse the world of science is.”
As well as educating students, there’s plenty of innovation and practical advice on offer for those in the farming and agriculture industries.
Visitors can also enjoy many demonstrations, including the Drill Demo Arena, Drone Zone, Isuzu Off-Road Experience, Inter-Row and In-Row Hoeing from Garford, as well as working demos from Agriweld, Hardi and New Holland.
The Bednar & Case IH Arrive & Ride will allow visitors a unique experience, with a seated trailer tour running alongside machinery and equipment in action. Tick your interest when you order your Cereals ticket.
New this year, the AgAnalyst Academy promotes best practice in precision farming by working closely with progressive farmers, their advisers and precision technologists, to accelerate the profitable adoption of precision agriculture. And the NAAC Drainage Hub promises lots of tips to consider when putting in land drainage.
With such a comprehensive line-up, visitors are in for a treat, says event organiser Alli McEntyre. “With so many exciting features on offer, growers will leave the event inspired, with lots of ideas to try out on their farms. And hopefully the school visit will inspire the next generation of farmers, scientists and engineers in this vibrant and diverse sector.”
