New Brunswick’s agricultural sector is a substantial earner for the province, bringing in $884.8 million in 2022, according to the most recent Statistics Canada data. So, on Wednesday, March 26, 50 Nackawic and Harvey high school students got an immersive, hands-on lesson in this important industry, with some tasty treats to accentuate the learning.
Students took part in a day of educational tours at a local farm and a local dairy, organized by ASD-W Community Schools Engagement Coordinator Valerie Carmichael, with support from Agriculture In The Classroom New Brunswick, and the district’s experiential learning and career transition specialists.
On their first stop, at Dumfries Maples, farm tour guide Simon Mitchell led students on a tour discussing the history of the maple syrup industry in the province and current tapping and woodlot management practices, including sap collection, processing from sap to syrup to bottle, and the chemical composition of maple syrup. Students observed the syrup-making process in real time and got to enjoy a taffy-on-a-stick maple treat at the end.
“I liked the authentic, hands-on learning experience,” said Nackawic High School teacher Sherry Fox, who teaches the school’s Ag110 course. “Students had the opportunity to see and participate in real-life operations that they may not have otherwise experienced.”
The group next toured nearby Fenwick Farms where they learned about its robotic milking system, the feed system’s rationing components, cow and heifer management, Canadian supply management, and on-farm milk pick-up, distribution, and processing. A representative from the local Feeds & Needs store held a Q&A session with students while also providing them with dairy treats of string cheese and ice cream bars.
After lunch students split into three groups to take in three learning activities:
- Making Dairy Butter, led by Agriculture In The Classroom New Brunswick Director Charlotte Flores
- Cooking With Dairy, led by Fredericton Delta Hotel chef, and Nackawic High School graduate, Katrina Jones
- Maple Trivia, led by Career Transition Coach Sarah McLellan and ASD-W Experiential Learning Lead Natalie Mombourquette
Starting with a small jar of whipping cream, and after lots of shaking and youthful energy, students produced versions of creamy butter and buttermilk. Both products were separated by straining through cheesecloth, after which Charlotte showed students how to add other flavours to change the taste of the butter: maple syrup and cinnamon were two of the more popular flavours.
“I really liked making the butter from the cream,” said Clemence Chabanier, a Nackawic High School Grade 12 culinary tech student. “I learned a lot about adding maple syrup to everyday cooking.”
Students watched chef Jones make two types of maple vinaigrette and maple granola, after which they taste-tested the products and received take-home recipes. And the maple trivia group delved deep into their syrupy subject, discussing its pH and chemical composition.
“Students were able to engage in hands-on learning that was connected not only to their course curriculums but to their community as well,” McLellan said. “We were able to have great discussions about careers in the agriculture sector that students were not aware of and post-secondary paths they could pursue. It was a great day of learning.”
— Story and Photos by Valerie Carmichael, ASD-W Community Schools Engagement Coordinator