THE Westpoint Arena in Exeter was filled with a constant buzz of excitement last week when nearly 1,400 children attended the FarmWise event to learn all about how food gets on their plates.

Children from nearly 30 primary and special schools from across Devon made the most of the opportunity to get their hands dirty and touch, feel and taste every aspect of food and farming. Pens of calves were stroked and patted, sheepdogs were showered with attention and combines critiqued.

Now in its second year, the day was organised by Devon County Council and the County Farms Estate and supported by Mole Valley Farmers, Devon County Agricultural Association and Bicton College.

The main arena was split into different zones including dairy, beef, sheep, poultry, pigs, fruit, vegetable, arable, forestry, wildlife, food and environmental. Each zone was designed to give an insight into how food is produced from its raw material right up to the final manufactured product.

Key to the success of the day was input from Devon Young Farmers Club, various agricultural businesses and a number of Devon County Council tenant farmers who donated their time to answer questions from the crowds of youngsters.

Dairy farmer, Robin Bowditch brought along a number Holsteins from his 230 cow herd do give a milking demonstration in the Dairy Zone.

“The kids love putting their fingers in the clusters to feel the suction and see how it works. The visual impact is vital and especially for the handicapped children,” he said.

In the Arable Zone children had the chance to mill some flour, knead some dough and then bake and eat their own bread roll.

For nine year old Yvie from Highweek Community Primary School in Newton Abbott, milking the pretend cow topped her list of fun things on the day. “It was funny and quite hard to do,” she said. “I’ve learnt that before a cow can make milk they have to have a baby.”

Jeremy Yabsley, chair of the Devon Farms Estate, said the event demonstrates the wide value of the council estate to the Devon community while creating valuable resources for teachers.

“One of the main aims of the event is to add to the school curriculum, with teachers able to download support packs on the FarmWise website to draw into the classroom,” he explained.

Julie Edwards from event sponsors, Mole Valley Farmers said FarmWise created a great opportunity for farmers to communicate positive messages to children.

“Young people are our future, whether they are customers or farmers or working in the agriculture industry. It's important for children to understand where their food comes from and how it’s produced.

"For farmers, FarmWise is a chance to talk to future consumers, maybe dispel some myths, explain how food is produced. Children can then go home and tell their parents all about it which must be a good thing,” she said.