Goodwood Farm Trip

As well as over 800 cows, 1,000 sheep and 500 pigs, Goodwood Home Farm had the presence of 28 Year 9 students from Springfield on 02 October. The friendly and knowledgeable staff from the Goodwood Education Trust gave the group, most of whom are studying GCSE Food, plenty of information about organic farming and food production. 

We toured the dairy, and were able to see a vet visiting to trim hooves and collections of pregnant cows, and calves of different ages. Robotics plays a vital role in the dairy, and students were able to watch the cows presenting themselves to have their ears scanned before the machine opened the door, cleaned their udders and milked them while they snacked. Even the cow pats were dealt with by a moving machine! We were able to work as a team to shake the milk from the cows and make butter, which the group then ate on crackers. 

We were also able to find out about different grains, the growing process and try hand grinding wheat into flour. After lunch, we walked through the woodland, observing different trees and fungi and seeing a badgers' sett. We then walked through a wildflower meadow to learn about the sheep and the saddleback piglets. Finally, Year 9s were able to visit the farm shop, seeing some of the produce for sale, and to sample milkshake made from the Goodwood cows!

This trip allowed to students to expand their knowledge and understanding of food provenance, primary processing, animal husbandry and ingredient functionality at this pivotal stage of their Food Preparation course.

It was a highly enjoyable day and we are incredibly grateful to the staff at Goodwood for providing this lovely opportunity.