Calves are set to star on the small screen this year as students across Australia learn and explore dairy industry careers in the virtual classroom.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dairy Australia's popular Cows Create Careers project will be delivered via an online hub for term 2, 2020.
The hub offers various curriculum options - 'normal', 'reduced' and 'easy to implement' - so schools can choose the option that best suits their requirements.
Each school is provided with dairy industry curriculum and ongoing support for years seven to 11, at no cost.
And while the students may not get a 'hands-on' experience this year, Cows Create Careers remains highly engaging through fun industry based resources.
Students will take an online journey through Willbrae Farm where they will be introduced to two dairy calves, 'Bright' and 'Future'.
Over five weeks, students will find out how to care for the calves and watch them grow through engaging videos.
Students will also learn about the environment, technology and machinery used on-farm through quirky activities and competitions.
As with all Cows Create Careers resources, the online program prioritises student learning and aligns with ACARA curriculum.
Sally Roberts, Lead - People at Dairy Australia, said the 2020 online version of Cows Create Careers will continue to shine a light on the diversity of professional careers within Australia's vibrant dairy industry.
"Cows Create Careers allows students and teachers to learn about the different skills and capabilities required for a career in the dairy industry in a fun and hands-on way and this year will be no different," Ms Roberts said.
"The benefits of Cows Create Careers extend well beyond the classroom; it supports links between students, teachers and the dairy community.
"Cows Create Careers showcases the wide-range of education and career pathways within the industry and the skills and capabilities required.
"The program's new online hub will continue to deliver these benefits through fun and interactive activities."
Ms Roberts said the opportunity for online learning will continue to develop these important links thanks to the continued support of dairy industry volunteers, who will be available to connect to the schools throughout the program.
"Volunteers represent a wide range of professional dairy careers," Ms Roberts said.
"They speak to the students and teachers about their experiences in the industry, support students in career decision-making, and have important links to dairy, education and employment sectors."
Cows Create Careers has a rich history; the popular project was originally established in 2004 with dairy farmers in the Strzelecki Lions Club in Victoria and nine Gippsland schools.
Since 2006 the project has been supported by Dairy Australia, Regional Development Programs, dairy farmers and sponsors.
This term, 110 schools will complete the project across NSW, SA, Victoria and WA.
"We are excited the 2020 program can continue and are grateful to industry advocates and farmers who continue to volunteer their time to schools completing the program - they are vital to the ongoing success of Cows Create Careers," Ms Roberts said.
And while they may be learning online, students will still have the opportunity to win some great prizes.
Upon completion of the project students and teachers will be recognised for their success in the program.
For more information, visit: http://www.thepeopleindairy.org.au/projects/ccc2020
Dairy Australia is the national services body for the Australian dairy industry. The company acts as the collective investment arm of the industry, investing in essential research, development, extension and industry services. Visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au
