PRIMARY school students from across Devon learnt all about farming today (October 8) at an event near Exeter. 

Westpoint Arena opened its doors to more than 1700 key stage 2 primary school aged children for Farmwise. 

The event offers children the chance to engage in a range of activities designed to help them understand where their food comes from. 

From pig and sheep sections, to food and recycling, the children had the chance to learn about every aspect of the food chain.

Karen Wonnacott, from CMC, ran the dairy section of the event. 

She said: "It is vital that positive messaging about agriculture gets out to young people, and it is so important to target kids at a young age. Today is the best day to showcase food and farming, and we so appreciate all the businesses who gave up their time to help out." 

New for this year was Trevor from The Sheep Show, and a section on 'Burping Cows', which helped to educate children about methane gas. 

Stephen Atkey, from South West Norse, has been taking part in Farmwise since 2016. He organises the food section, in which children can make things such as pizza's, as well as learn about milking a cow. 

He added: "Today is incredibly important to show kids that food doesn't come in plastic wrapping from the supermarket. These events are critical to show kids where food comes from, and to help get them interested in farming to help its future." 

Farmwise 2024 is organised in partnership with Devon County Agricultural Association, Devon County Council, Southwest Norse Group, Mole Valley Farmers, Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust, Devon Farmers Benevolent Fund, Aviagen uk lid, P.D Hook  and supported by lots of industry leaders and groups.

Cathy Case, who was helping the children learn all about soil, added: "This is such a positive opportunity to engage with the children growing up in our county and hopefully they will take home messages that will stick."