Insect innovators - shaping tomorrow’s leaders with nature and science

Join us for a day of hands-on learning and leadership at the Ag-tech farm in Loxton.
Students will explore sustainable practices like water efficiency and discover the role of beneficial insects in pest control as part of a farm tour. They will participate in interactive activities including insect displays and a hands-on fruit fly session.
This event is a unique opportunity to expand knowledge and develop leadership skills in environmental stewardship.

Thursday 3 April 2025
PIRSA Loxton Ag-tech Farm - exact location will be sent to all registered school groups.
10 am - 2 pm.
Schools are invited to bring a small
group of year 5/6 students.

Anticipated program:
9:45 am Arrivals, sign in, morning tea, collect YEL school folders.
10:00 am Welcome and introductions. 2025 YEL Program.
10:20 am Farm welcome and introduction to farm principles, water efficiency and Ag-tech.
10:40 am Split into groups for activities:
Farm tour with Peter and Caroline - Learn about the AgTech farm innovations and technology. Explore how Biological Services are using ‘good bugs’ to assist in reducing chemical use. Investigate the bugs using microscopes.
Fruit fly intervention - help us educate about fruit fly, learn about the life cycle and break the cycle!
Leadership - what do you want to get out of the YEL Program? what makes a good leader and where to from here.
10:45 am - 11:30 pm Activity 1
11:30 pm - 12:15 pm Activity 2
12:15 pm Lunch (30min)
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm Activity 3
1:35 pm Regroup at Research Centre, recap what we have learnt.
Thank you to our guests.
Sharing your knowledge and skills; YEL rewards.
1:55 pm Evaluation and feedback.
2:00 pm YEL close.

More information:
What to wear: All attendees to wear enclosed shoes, wide brimmed hats and weather-appropriate clothes for the day.
What to bring: refillable water bottles, morning tea and packed lunch.
We will provide: Sunscreen, water to refill bottles, tea/coffee and snacks for teachers/adults.
Please remember: ensure students eat recess/morning tea on the way to YEL location OR arrive early so event can start on time.
Weather considerations: In the event of thunderstorms, heavy/prolonged rainfall or catastrophic weather forecast for the day, this event will be cancelled.
Registered schools will be provided with final map and information on meeting location and other requirements for the day.
Risk assessment: general risk assessment information will be provided to registered schools. We will be touring the Ag-tech farm on the day so will need to adhere to safety requirements as per PIRSA.

Cost: Free. This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies.

For more information contact Cindy Kakoschke on 0429 413 074 or email:
cindy.kakoschke@sa.gov.au