IRVINE, AB – It doesn’t look like much right now but in a few weeks, it will be an innovative outdoor classroom.
The new Agriculture Discovery Centre at Irvine School will be a student-led farm.
Students will raise livestock like steer, sheep and chickens in addition to growing their own crops.
Principal Trent Rayner is excited about the new program.
“Our students are going to have the opportunity to learn all facets of where their food comes from.”
The idea came last year from farmer Nichole Neubauer of Neubauer Farms.
“They’re going to answer the question that’s on everyone’s mind right now in the agriculture and food community,” says Neubauer. “That question is how do we feed over nine billion people sustainably by 2050?”
Students will be taught what it takes to run sustainable agriculture operations.
Which is defined as being socially responsible, environmentally sound and financially viable.
Neubauer says for the ag industry to expand and thrive, they need to inspire the next generation.
“They don’t actually realize there’s tremendous career potential moving forward. Particularly in the fields of science and technology.”
All 350 students at Irvine will take part, with each class having different responsibilities.
The centre will also offer an outreach program to connect with urban students through an Adopt a Class initiative.
“I think it’s going to benefit right from the rural kids who understand the roles already but they’re still going to learn from lots of experts we have coming in. They’ll get to teach what they know and take some pride in that. A lot of the urban kids who don’t get these opportunities.”
The farm will run during the warmer months from April to October.
Construction is set to be done before the school year.
