The Cows Create Careers program is an initiative by Dairy Australia delivered to 9000 secondary students every year.

Students involved in the program at Burnie High School will look after the calves, take measurement data to chart their growth and create multimedia advertisements.

Agriculture teacher Steph Prendergast said this cross-curricular approach was one of the benefits of the program.

“It’s about creating opportunities for work and letting people know the variety of careers in the dairy industry, from science to nutrition,” she said.

The six calves were lent to Burnie High School by a Ridgley farmer.

They will live on the two acre farm next to the school operated by social enterprise Produce to the People.

Founder Penelope Dodd said Cows Create Careers was a “really beautiful” example of how Produce to the People and Burnie High School could work together.

“The students always have so many learning opportunities given to them and one should never underestimate the power of animals to be part of that process,” she said.

“It’s a great learning experience.”

Grade 9 student Bronnia Brooks said Cows Create Careers was a great experience for people who don’t spent a lot of time with animals.

“It’s good to learn where our food comes from and where our produce comes from,” she said.

“It’s just as educational as school.”