Pupils milk a visit from the dairy bus

The three schools are Byron Primary in Gillingham, Boughton Monchelsea Primary in Maidstone and Darrick Wood infants. The visits are part of a programme throughout the country that includes major agriculture shows as well as schools. As part of the visit, the children will get to watch a special DVD of a farm in action, made by Kent dairy farmer, Rob Joules, who runs Birchwood Court dairy farm in Brabourne, Ashford. The DVD will provide a step by step guide to producing milk and dairy farming. The Bus also features curriculum resource materials on milk production and the natural environment, including a life size replica cow which the children can milk. Joules said: "I was delighted to be asked to participate in the Dairy Bus, as it is crucial to increase awareness of the dairy industry and help children in Kent understand where their food comes from. I hope they enjoy watching the DVD this week and enjoy their time on the Dairy Bus." Adele Wills of Arla Foods added: "The Dairy Bus is a unique educational experience for children and, now in its second phase, is going from strength to strength. The bus is here because of a unique partnership between dairy farmers, retailers and producers, who saw the decline in children's awareness of dairy production and the natural environment. "Indeed, with our research showing many children don't know how milk is produced, the children's experience on the bus is clearly crucial to the future of the farming and dairy industry." The education facility is a collaboration between ASDA, Arla Foods, Cheestrings and Muller and the bus has been specially designed in association with the Dairy Council.