Norco, Australia’s oldest and largest dairy co-operative, took a fun, interactive and educational display to Queensland’s biggest agriculture show in August.
With research revealing that one in four Aussie children aged five to 12 think their food originates from a supermarket shelf, the immersive ‘Grass to Glass’ experience at EKKA aimed to plug the knowledge gap by bringing the farm to life, albeit with a modern twist.
The multi-sensory ‘Grass to Glass’ combined AR technology and real-life farm experiences to showcase each step of the farming process, via a four-zone learning trail where guests will move from the working farm to the Norco factory, to sampling milk.
The four sensory zones included a mix of outdoor games, a cinema experience, educational facts and a Norco FIRST augmented reality game series ‘Cow’s Play’.
Families attending EKKA also had the opportunity to attend several milking demonstrations, learn how to make cream and butter, and try their hand at milking a cow. which was a popular experience at last year’s show.
Norco dairy farmer Chris Eggert said it is important to show the next generation how farms operate and where food comes from.
“Many children have never had the chance to visit a farm and that’s probably half the reason they think their food comes from the supermarket trolley,” Chris said.
“As consumer preferences change, farmers are constantly adapting the way we choose to farm, and it’s often quite complex.
“It’s important people are educated, know where their food comes from and appreciate the hard work that’s put in by farmers right across Australia to deliver fresh, nutritious food and drink to our kitchen tables.”
Norco’s commercial and strategy general manager Ben Menzies said Norco’s continued investment and participation at EKKA reflects its commitment to championing Aussie dairy farmers and the integral role they play in Australia’s rural communities.
“The EKKA is a beloved and iconic event for Queenslanders, and to be part of it for many years is an absolute honour,” Ben said.
“It’s always a wonderful time where country and city communities come together to celebrate the best of Queensland’s agricultural industry and have some good wholesome family fun that is remembered for years to come.”