Hamilton school plans digital option for Ag Day

Georgia Scott and her pig chip at last years ag day at Tamahere Model Country School. Photo / Supplied

A Hamilton school has found a way to keep the Regional School Ag Days tradition alive in the age of Mycoplasma bovis disease which saw calf movements banned.

Tamahere Model Country School has come up with a new solution for the future of Ag Days.

School principal Waveney Parker has outlined the importance of the event for the children and that it helps connect the school with the country's farming background.

"We love our Ag Day, it's a very important part of our school calendar," Parker said.

"The school will be offering our own digital option for children with dairy and beef calves.

"There are a lot of children who are very passionate about their calves and we don't want them to lose that," Parker said.

Children with calves competing in the event will be part of a school programme where they will take videos and photos of their calves and bring those along to the Ag Day.

Judges will then look at the videos and photos as well as talk to the children about their calves and judge on the day.

Lambs and kids will still be a part of the Ag Day celebrations as well as pigs, chickens, and other pets some of the children will bring along.

"There will still be a number of animals attending the event, so in order to minimise any risk or spread of disease we will be improving our biosecurity on the day.

"We will be having to step up our bio-security but we will have practices in place so we can be prepared for that," Parker said.

The day will also have other elements apart from animals where children can get involved in arts and crafts and be able to build their own scarecrow.

"It's a great day to get the school involved in the community and explore the wider range of wildlife."