Real challenges, ready to go

This regularly updated resource page will put engaging ideas in your hands – enabling you to shape interesting, super-relevant learning experiences for your students. The ideas blend fun with practical educational content – letting you develop meaningful and memorable projects that open up great conversations about careers in the dairy sector.

Students research the causes of methane emissions and examine existing solutions in the dairy sector. They design their own strategies, proposing alternatives such as innovative feed options, advanced technologies, or enhanced farm management practices.

Supporting ideas:

• Investigate current methane reduction technologies.
• Explore the role of feed, genetics, or farm design.
• Develop a campaign or prototype idea to reduce emissions.

Deliverables:

• Written reports
• Multimedia presentations
• Short videos explaining their solutions

Students research the nutritional needs of dairy cows and assess how different forage crops affect sustainability. They design a pasture mix balancing grasses, clover, and other crops to enhance performance and sustainability.

Supporting ideas:

• Research pasture types and their nutritional value
• Investigate environmental impacts of different pasture systems
• Create a visual or written proposal for an 'ideal' pasture mix

Deliverables:

• Written proposals
• Detailed diagrams
• Informative videos explaining the pasture mix

Students analyse issues like tanker movements around road closures (e.g. Desert Road in Winter). They propose innovative solutions, including alternate transport routes, technology-driven logistics, or improved emergency response strategies.

Supporting ideas:

• Map out transport routes and identify risks
• Design alternative transport solutions or contingency plans
• Create a presentation or model of their proposed solution

Deliverables:

• Developed maps
• Creative models
• Professional presentations providing practical solutions

Students investigate the significance of Te Ao Māori and kaitiakitanga in sustainable farming. They develop projects to illustrate how these principles can be applied to dairy farming, emphasising environmental guardianship.

Supporting ideas:

• Research Māori environmental principles and how they apply to farming
• Develop bilingual signage or educational materials for a farm
• Create a cultural integration plan for a dairy business

Deliverables:

• Creative artworks
• Engaging presentations
• Detailed pitches showcasing their ideas