TOP NEWS STORY...
Students Find Out About Farming in Dorset
AGRICULTURE students from Duchy College Rosewarne enjoyed a trip to Dorset recently where they got to visit a selection of farms and discovered how farming differs in other regions.
The students stayed in accommodation at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester, where they were given a guided tour of the college farm and saw the dairy set up and outdoor pig unit. The next day they travelled further afield to find out more about farming in the area.
Agriculture Lecturer, Phil Pengelly, explained: “We visited a number of farmers in the local area, including Andrew Foot, a past chairman of Dorset National Farmers Union, where we saw how conservation and agriculture can be mixed together for the better of the farm and Maiden Castle Farm where John Hoskin runs beef cattle and sheep. Mr Hoskin was farmer and beef farmer of the year in 2010; he made us very welcome and gave us an extremely informative farm walk.
“We also saw Denhay Farm’s cheese makers and a 2200 goat milking operation. Thanks to all the staff at Kingston Maurward especially Tim Stephens for arranging all the visits on our behalf. We had a very enjoyable trip and the students learnt a great deal.”
Student Chris Lea, 18, from Constantine, added: “It was really interesting, especially hearing about the diverse styles of farming in Dorset due to the different soil types and drier climate; a very educational and worthwhile trip.”
Andrew Counsell, Head of Duchy College, said: “We take great pride in our excellent links with other colleges; this was a great trip for the students, a real insight into further farming methods which will enhance their knowledge and expertise.”
For more information about the Agriculture courses available at Duchy College please call 0845 605 0455 or go to www.duchy.ac.uk.
