Counting sheep a challenge for Northland science students

Almost 40 Whangārei Boys' High School students visited Greg Lovell's farm, northwest of Whangarei, as part of a new school project. Photo / Supplied

Counting sheep is often touted as a way to help people get to sleep but in Northland it's become part of the curriculum.

Two classes of Year 11 science students Whangārei Boys' High School are studying a learning module called 'Keep calm and count sheep'.

The resource examines the nutritional requirements of ewes and the factors that influence sheep growth rates.

"This module is a great way of injecting real-world farming and food production into the science lab," Pip Beauchamp from NZ Young Farmers said.

As part of the course, almost 40 students visited Greg Lovell's farm, northwest of Whangarei last week.

The Lovell's run 4500 Romney ewes, 300 Angus breeding cows and 600 dairy cows on a 1800ha farm.

"We got to help weigh and draft a mob of ewes and lambs in the yards," said 15-year-old Taine Beardsell.

"It was quite cool to see how technology is used to record and monitor growth rates."

Students took part in a farm walk where they examined different pasture species.

"The boys had been learning about different types of pasture in class, so they were able test their knowledge in the paddock," Beauchamp said.

"They got to compare the nutritional value of Italian ryegrass, established ryegrass, clover and kikuyu."

The Red Meat Profit Partnership-funded resources have been a hit with students.

"It was great to get out of the science lab and go on a field trip," said Jack Bowering, 15.

"Visiting the farm really enabled us to get a much more detailed understanding of digestion and nutrition in ruminant animals."

"A highlight was examining the organs of a dead sheep. It was interesting to see the vital role they play in weight gain and reproduction," he said.

It was Taine Beardsell's first time on a sheep farm.

"It was pretty amazing. I didn't realise how many factors contribute to ensuring a lamb reaches its target weight by a certain date," he said.

Teacher Henry Dunckley downloaded the free learning module from the Agrication website and wrote an assessment for students to complete.