Key facts
- 56% of parents in Ireland report their child under 12 has never seen a cow milked.
- The National Dairy Council (NDC) is running a campaign to educate children about milk's origins.
- Kerry farmer Leo O'Connor welcomed hundreds of primary school children to his family farm.
- Farm visits include activities like seeing cows, milking demonstrations, and learning about nutrition.
- The NDC School Farm Visits initiative is part of the EU School Milk Scheme, operating since 1982.
New research commissioned by the National Dairy Council (NDC) in Ireland reveals that 56% of parents with children under 12 state their child has never witnessed a cow being milked. In response, efforts are underway to educate young people about the origins of milk, emphasizing that it comes from farms and nature, not just shops. Kerry farmer Leo O'Connor, whose family has operated a grass-based dairy farm for three generations, has welcomed hundreds of primary school children to his property. These visits, part of the NDC's campaign, allow students to see cows, observe milking demonstrations, learn about dairy's nutritional benefits, and understand the journey from farm to fridge. The initiative is supported by the EU School Milk Scheme, which has been active in Ireland since 1982, providing discounted milk and educational materials to schools to promote dairy consumption and agricultural understanding. Children participating in the farm visits engaged with activities covering paddocks, milking parlours, nutrition, product branding, and calves, gaining firsthand knowledge of dairy farming practices. Leo O'Connor stated that farm visits are important for the younger generation, as many parents now lack a direct connection to agriculture. He believes it is crucial for primary school children to see farms, understand what cows look like, and learn that milk is produced in a clean environment from grass before being packaged.