Project Description

Industry: Agriculture / Food & Drink

Activity Type: Work Inspiration / routes and pathways / sector awareness  

Businesses involved: Kirkton of Beath Farm  

Name of School: BEATH HIGH SCHOOL  

As part of their Health & Food Technology course, a group of S4 pupils recently visited Kirkton of Beath Farm, a prominent dairy and arable farming enterprise based in Fife. The purpose of this visit was to provide pupils with real-life insight into the role of technology and innovation in modern farming practices, while also connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. 

The visit was carefully aligned with the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) agenda, aiming to broaden pupils’ understanding of the variety of career pathways available in the agriculture and food production sectors. A key focus of the visit was on automation in farming – in particular, how robotic milking systems are enhancing efficiency and promoting animal welfare. 

The experience was designed to support pupils’ curriculum learning while introducing them to the skills, knowledge, and technologies shaping the future of food and farming. 

Employer Involvement

Kirkton of Beath Farm is a well-established business in Fife with a strong focus on sustainable and innovative agricultural practices. As a forward-thinking enterprise, the farm is equipped with advanced automation systems and aims to play a key role in promoting agriculture as a progressive and skilled industry. 

By partnering with local schools through the DYW initiative, Kirkton of Beath Farm sees clear value in engaging with young people to dispel outdated stereotypes about farming and to showcase the wide range of roles – from animal husbandry to agricultural engineering and food sciences – that exist within the sector. 

Their involvement in this visit reflects a shared commitment to raising awareness of the essential contributions agriculture makes to society and to supporting young people as they explore potential future careers. 

Activity Summary and Impact  

During their visit, the pupils had the opportunity to tour the facilities at Kirkton of Beath Farm and observe the robotic milking systems in operation. These systems have revolutionised the way dairy farming is carried out, and the pupils learned how automation helps: 

Improve efficiency in milk production 

Monitor animal health and welfare through data-driven insights 

Reduce the physical workload on farmers 

Support sustainable farming practices 

The visit provided a highly engaging, first-hand look at how technological innovation is reshaping traditional industries – a particularly relevant theme for Health & Food Technology students studying food production, sustainability, and food-related industries. 

This experience not only supported curriculum learning but also broadened pupils’ awareness of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the agricultural sector, many of which rely on STEM skills and problem-solving abilities. 

Feedback from Attendees

The visit was well received by both pupils and staff, who recognised the strong educational and career-related value of the experience. 

“This visit provided a valuable real-world context for their studies, directly linking to the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) agenda by showcasing diverse career opportunities within the agriculture sector and highlighting the essential skills and technological understanding required for contemporary farming practices.”

— Liam Fowley, Health & Food Technology Teacher