Our Education team at the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre here on Dumfries House Estate have fantastic and unique workshops to offer secondary pupils aged 14+ which cover many curricular areas. Working with our team in our state-of-the-art teaching facility, pupils will be introduced to a range of farming skills and knowledge through hands-on and close-up practice. Don’t worry… we provide the wellies!
Farming for the Future – Harvesting Opportunity – 10am – 3pm
What does diversification mean, and how could it help shape the future of a business? In this workshop, pupils will explore how businesses can develop new income streams, build economic resilience and make the most of opportunities beyond traditional farming and food production. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, pupils will investigate a range of diversification opportunities, including renewable energy, leisure and tourism, hospitality, food production and sales, and agricultural contracting. They will consider the factors that influence business decisions, such as location, local history, seasonality, labour availability, existing skills and the time and resources required. An opportunity to think creatively, evaluate potential opportunities and consider how diversification could contribute to a sustainable and resilient future for their own business.
Practical Farming – From Calves to Finished Cattle – 10am – 3pm
This hands-on workshop explores the complete beef production cycle, from calf to finished animal, examining the processes, management practices and quality assurance systems that underpin modern beef farming. Pupils will explore the importance of selecting appropriate cattle breeds to suit different farming systems and geographical locations, alongside key aspects of herd health, breeding, condition scoring, bull selection and calving. Putting theory into practice, pupils will gain experience using our calving simulator, handling live cattle within our state-of-the-art byre and operating modern livestock handling equipment. They will also learn how to weigh and assess cattle, using measurements and condition to determine when animals are ready for finishing. The workshop will conclude by exploring the commercial side of beef production, including marketing options, carcass grading and payment systems, helping pupils understand the journey from livestock management through to the finished product and its place in the agricultural market.
Practical Farming – Farming in Ayrshire – 10am – 3pm
In this full day workshop you will be introduced to farming in Ayrshire. Discover why this area is famous nationally for its stock and produce. Find out what shapes the type of farming activities in Ayrshire and wider Scotland. Learn why farmers always need to know the weather forecast is. Get hands on learning how to move livestock safely for health checks and weight measurement. Compare and contrast the differences between rare breeds and commercial livestock.
Practical Farming – Introduction to Practical Farming – 10am – 3pm
This interactive workshop offers pupils a unique opportunity to develop practical farming skills in the purpose-built education facilities at MacRoberts. Through a combination of practical activities and guided learning, pupils will be introduced to the principles of animal husbandry, livestock care and responsible farm management. Working directly with animals in our purpose-built education byre, pupils will develop an understanding of safe animal handling techniques and gain practical experience of moving livestock through a farm handling system. They will explore the importance of animal welfare, day-to-day care and the skills required to manage livestock safely and effectively. An engaging introduction to the practical skills and responsibilities involved in modern farming.
Rural Skils – The Business of Farming – 10am – 3pm
What does it take to run a successful and sustainable farming business? This session introduces pupils to the business management skills and decision-making processes that underpin modern agriculture. Pupils will explore the roles of different stakeholders within the agricultural industry, considering their interests and influence on farm businesses. They will then develop an understanding of key business management tools and techniques, including business analysis, SWOT analysis and assessing both internal and external factors that can influence business performance. The session will also explore sources of business finance, basic budgeting and financial planning, alongside the use of appropriate software to support business operations, meet legislative requirements and manage day-to-day responsibilities. An opportunity to develop commercial awareness, explore the challenges facing agricultural businesses and understand the skills needed to make informed business decisions.
Rural Skills – Do It The Dairy Way – 10am – 12pm HALF DAY WORKSHOP
Discover how milk makes its journey from farm to food in this practical and engaging workshop at the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre. Pupils will explore dairy farming, animal husbandry and the processes involved in producing some of our everyday dairy products. The session begins with a guided farm tour, where pupils will meet our rare-breed animals and learn about dairy production first-hand, including the opportunity to try milking our very own cow, Rosie. Moving from farm to food production, pupils will then make their own butter from fresh cream and discover how cottage cheese is produced. Through these activities, they will explore the science behind dairy processing, including how raw ingredients are transformed into familiar food products. The workshop brings together agriculture, food science and practical skills, giving pupils a greater understanding of the connection between livestock farming, food production and the journey from farm to table.
Our school education workshops support the delivery of The Curriculum for Excellence, and many of our activities are based outdoors on our 2000 acre estate, making use of our natural spaces to inspire learning. The King’s Foundation works in harmony with the natural world, and as such our workshops also touch upon the UN Sustainable Development goals and support learning for sustainability.
NB – Our Farming and Rural Skills Workshops can accommodate a maximum of 20 students, with a minimum of 12 required for the session to run.
If you require any further information on our Rural Skills workshops before booking, please contact us at farm.education@kings-foundation.org