An udderly fun way to learn

JENNA THOMPSON

IF YOUR kids are coming home from school with a new-found passion for cows, local dairy farmer and project co-ordinator for Picasso Cows Lynne Strong might have something to do with it.

The educational program that allows students to create a “moo-ving” work of art on a blank, life-size fibreglass cow was launched last week as part of an annual campaign to educate students about the environmental aspects of dairy farming.

Mrs Strong is inviting local primary schools to get involved.

After the success of the Cows Create Careers high school program, which has students rearing calves over three weeks, Mrs Strong wanted to extend dairy education to primary schools.

Picasso Cows gives youngsters a richer understanding of Australia’s great dairying legacy while showing their artistic skills.

“We do mini excursions to farms to see what we’re doing to look after farming,” Mrs Strong said.

“It’s a wonderful way to learn about the Kiama dairy industry and it promotes environmental awareness through art.”

With the support of local dairy farmers, students will also get visits from farmers and natural resource management experts.

“Kids go back to school after a farm visit and brainstorm ideas and they put it all on a cow,” Mrs Strong said.

Since the 2004 pilot project, the Dairy Australia-backed initiative has blossomed into a nation-wide venture.

Four blank cows have been allocated to the Illawarra and the Kiama ANZ Bank branch has provided a $1000 sponsorship prize.

Students get information and activity kits from Dairy Australia as well as a supply of water-resistant paint and other equipment courtesy of art supply company Matisse Derivan.

The community will also be able to watch the progress of projects via the Australian Landcare website.

Mrs Strong said the experience often had a long-lasting effect.

“Because dairy cows get handled so much we found kids were coming back on to the farm to visit and their calves would promptly recognise them and race up to them,” she said.

“It’s a real bonding experience for both.”

To learn more about the project contact project co-ordinator Lynne Strong on 4236 0309.