Farm safety replaces calf and lamb day

Constable Jono Erwood, of Stratford Police, talks to Toko School students about keeping safe during the school's Agri Day last Wednesday.

There wasn't a lamb or calf to be seen, but the kids at Toko School had a blast during last week's Agri Day.

The school cancelled its much loved annual calf and lamb day due to the threat of the bacterial disease Mycoplasma bovis. Instead, students learnt about farm safety and participated in range of fun activities including an agricultural obstacle course, water run, egg and-spoon race and touch rugby.

School principal Kim Waite says the school was grateful business and organisations had offered their time to attend and speak to groups of students during the day.

Red Cross attended to teach farm first aid, Taranaki Vets taught biosecurity and the Stratford High School Year 10 agricultural class hosted a series of fun agricultural games. Representatives from Cooks Honda and Field Torque Tractors spoke to the students about motorbike and tractor safety and Senior Constable Jono Erwood, of Stratford Police, also spoke about safety.

Kim says the students were disappointed that calf and lamb day was cancelled as it was such a loved tradition.

"It's a tradition dear to their hearts. We will be thinking about what we will be doing moving forward in the coming years."