NOOSA District State High School Year 9 humanities students have been busy collecting data in the field at Melsted Park and Shambhala Farms as a part of their study into sustainable agriculture.
The students trekked up and down paddocks at Melsted Park on Friday 4 November, observing some of the sustainable practices undertaken on the farm, including the use of solar panels to power electric fences and water pumps.
More than 200 chicken eggs were collected by the students in the chicken hutches, and some students assisted with feeding the chooks.
The students were surprised at the ease of manoeuvrability of the chicken hutch, with it dragged up the hill through the use of a chain attached to a quadbike.
The importance of maintaining the health of the riparian zone was explained to the students, with vegetation planted to support the soil of the slopes and banks on either side of the creek.
Cattle were moved into a different paddock to reduce the stress on the land and to keep grassy areas under control as the students watched on.
Year 9 student Rhys Lloyd enjoyed making friends with a cow named Forest and a black chicken that kept the soil around the farm vegetable patch aerated.
Students visited the Shambhala Farm after lunch, and were involved in the planting, harvesting and consumption of vegetables as well as the creation of a delicious green vegan smoothie.
Vegetable packing for the Noosa Farmers’ Markets was observed and the importance of composting explained by the farm owner.
The Year 9 students said they had a productive, educational and fun day of hands-on learning outside of their usual classrooms.
