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Photo by Arahunga School .

Work Experience on the Farm

Arahunga School . —

Each week a group of learners from our Whanganui City College Hub go to experience life on the farm.

During the visits the learners get to experience a wide range of authentic farm activities which change depending on the time of year and what is happening on the farm. We are involved in a number of regular activities that include:

  • turning the cups in the rotary milking shed once the cups have been washed
  • cutting and sawing the bamboo
  • locating the herd of cows which involves walking over hills and uneven terrain
  • opening and shutting a range of different types of gates
  • recycling the plastic hay bale wrapping

Depending on the season and what is happening on the farm at the time, we sometimes get a chance to:

  • check out farm vehicles and equipment
  • visiting the calves in the sheds before they go out to the paddocks
  • help the farmer with jobs he is doing


We learn how to manage the tape gates.

Tape gates can be tricky. We need to be careful not to touch the electric fence when shutting the gates.
Some of the gates are quite tight and need a bit of muscle to secure. — Image by: Whanganui City College
We get to have a look around and become familiar with the rotary milking shed all the equipment.  One of our regular jobs is to help to put away the milking cups once they have been washed.
We get to help put away all the cups after milking has finished for the day. We need to turn the cups over which takes some practice as each set has four cups that need to be turned over together.  — Image by: Whanganui City College
You need to be physically fit to help out on the farm. There are a lot of fences and equipment we need to climb up on.  This is a great way for us to practice our agility and motor skills.
During calving season we get to hang out with the calves.  They stay nice and warm in the pens and are feed there until they are big enough to move out onto the pasture. 
The calves are friendly and always ready for a pat. Some want to suck our fingers if they get a chance. 
There is always a job on the farm for someone who is happy to help with the gates. 
One of the best things about the farm is being able to walk around in the muddy tracks looking for the cows.
We get to check out a lot of different farm vehicles and equipment on the farm.  — Image by: Whanganui City College Hub
The tyres on this tractor are massive.
Sometimes we are extra lucky and the farmer gives us a ride in the tractor. This tractor has a cab so the farmer can keep dry and warm while he does the farm work. 
Watching the cowshed yards being washed after milking is hilarious. You have to be careful not to get too close or you can get splashed.  — Image by: Whanganui City College Hub
Being out on the farm is a fun way to learn. We get a chance to develop confidence through trying heaps of new experiences that challenge us to get out of our comfort zone.  
Learning on the farm is great fun and for some of us it is the highlight of our week.