Ariana is one of the Year 7-8 pupils who have been learning about the importance of science and genetics in the red meat sector.
"It's more complex than I thought it would be.
"You have to be good at maths, science and waking up early," says Mike Kaleopa.
Storth Oaks is at the forefront of genetics, using genomic testing, artificial insemination and an embryo transfer programme.
"All of our calves are weighed at birth and a DNA sample is taken from them," says the stud's co-owner Tim Brittain. "That sample is analysed to verify the calf's parents and it predicts the animal's future genetic worth."
"By identifying unsuitable animals early, we can make huge genetic progress with our breeding programme very quickly."
Last July, Tim and Kelly Brittain won a coveted national award for producing the best steak, beating more than 300 other entries.
The stud's relentless pursuit of quality means its average bulls are usually in the top five per cent of the breed in New Zealand.
"One of our school values is excellence.
"So, to come to a farm that's all about excellence and being the best has been fantastic," says principal Vanessa Te Huia.
"We've all learned so much."
Benneydale School is the first in New Zealand to use both the English and Te Reo versions of the teaching resource.
"In the lead-up to the farm visit, I'd been getting students to write down all the tricky questions I didn't know the answer to, so they could ask Tim and Kelly, because I'm a city girl, I'm not a farm girl," says Vanessa.
Tim didn't grow up on a farm either.
He was raised in Auckland.
His grandfather owned a farm and he had a mentor who encouraged him to get on a farm during the school holidays.
"A lot of urban children don't have the same opportunities these days," says Tim. "I think it's really important that the agriculture sector opens its gates to the community."
"If we can give kids a taste of how their food is produced, hopefully it'll encourage some of the best and brightest to enter our industry," he says.
RMPP project manager Di Falconer says the red meat sector is a viable sector full of career opportunities.
"We want to get the industry on the radar of students and teachers, so they're aware of the opportunities," she says.
New Zealand's red meat sector will need to find an extra 33,000 workers by 2025 to replace people who will retire or exit the industry.
"That's why programmes like this are extremely important," says Kelly Brittain.
"We need young people coming into our vibrant industry, so I can retire."
The visit ended with students singing their school song, while Angus bulls grazed the hills in the background.
"One day, I'm going to be a farmer and maybe you can give me a job," Ariana told the Brittains as she left.
