A WHOLE new legion of primary school kids will get the opportunity take part in Dairy Australia’s popular Picasso Cows program, which has been expanded this year.
Kicking off in Australia’s dairy regions, the Make-Over program gives schools that have previously participated in the Picasso Cows program the opportunity to give their existing life-sized, fibre glass cow a fresh coat of paint and at the same time expose a new generation of students to the curriculum-based learning program.
For the past six years, Picasso Cows has been educating children about Australia’s dairy industry and the health benefits of dairy foods, using the artistic challenge as an engaging teaching device. Schools decorate their bovine beauty in one of three themes – Unbeatable Bones, Fuel for Life or Farm to Plate – and document their experiences in a learning journal before going head-to-head to determine a local winner.
Schools involved in the new Picasso Cows Make-Over program will also have the chance to compete for the title of Best in State with winners then vying for the honour of being named the very first National Champion.
This year, 80 ‘repeat competitors’ will be participating in the Make-Over program from the eight Australian dairy farming regions and 58 new schools (from mainly urban areas) will undertake the traditional Picasso Cows program, giving 138 primary schools around the country a dairy immersion experience.
According to Dairy Australia dietician, Amber Beaumont, the expanded program will give the next generation essential knowledge about the industry and the health benefits of eating dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
“The dairy industry is a great example for students when it comes to learning about where their food comes from, the contribution of agriculture to the economy and career opportunities as well as the importance of good nutrition,” she said.
“For many schools, their Picasso Cows have been used year upon year as a teaching aide across a range of subject areas and it’s great to see so many schools putting their hands up to take part in the Make-Over program.”
For those involved in the Make-Over program, she said it was an opportunity to refresh their cow to ensure it remains relevant and appealing.
