Please can you tell me your name, your occupation and where you farm?
Jenna White is a full dairy farmer in Riverslea, Gippsland. In-between managing four properties, milking a 480-head seasonal-calving, self-replacing, Friesian-cross dairy herd with husband Brad, working part-time as a paramedic and wrangling three young kids, while also supporting the Boisdale Consolidated School Farm program. We caught up with her to find out why the program is so important for the future of the region’s agricultural sector.
Tell us about the Boisdale Consolidated School Farm and the focus of the education program
At Boisdale Consolidated School, we have a 12-acre farm that we have transformed into a living classroom where we deliver our Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum. The program provides students with hands-on, real-world experiences across all areas of agriculture, including animal care, pasture management, water conservation, soil science, sustainability, and food production. We give students opportunities to put theory into practice.
What kind of educational sessions do you offer and how do these benefit the students?
We have been very lucky to have our agricultural sessions supported by local industry experts such as vets, agronomists, nutritionists, and farmers who regularly visit to lead practical sessions with students.
These experiences help students connect with the broader community, understand various career options in agriculture, and develop practical skills that align directly with our curriculum.
Working on the farm also encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience — because not everything goes to plan when you’re working with animals, weather, or the environment. These sessions help students build confidence and develop lifelong skills.
How many students take part in the school farm educational experiences and what’s the feedback been like?
All students at Boisdale Consolidated School — about 185 children from Prep to Grade 6 — participate in the school farm program. Engagement has been exceptionally positive. The program’s practical aspect means the kids are excited to participate, and for some, the farm is now the primary reason they look forward to going to school. It gives students the opportunity to have learning experiences outside the classroom.
Southern Rural Water has provided sponsorship support for the school farm – how does this help?
It’s allowed us to organise a full-day trip next year to visit several farms in the Macalister Irrigation District. The excursion will give students the chance to see firsthand how farmers have adapted their farms to be more efficient and environmentally sustainable and how modern technology is transforming water management for the better.
Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to offer our students the opportunity to explore some incredible agricultural businesses and inspiring farmers.
We’re still finalising the excursion, but we’d like to include a farm setting the standard for environmental sustainability and a tour of Lake Glenmaggie to understand the role of well-managed water in the region’s agricultural success.
Why do you think it’s important to educate our kids about food and farming?
When students learn about land and water conservation, drought, soil health, animal welfare, and the effort needed to produce food, these issues suddenly feel real.
They start to see why reducing waste matters, why protecting our natural resources is vital, and how their choices can make a difference. Teaching them this now helps create a generation that values sustainability, respects the environment, and understands the people who grow their food.
Finally, why are you proud to be involved in the farm school and what excites you about its future?
I’m proud to be part of the Boisdale Consolidated School Farm because I care about giving students a chance to learn outside the classroom.
The support from our local community has been incredible — their generosity and willingness to help with anything we need has shaped the farm into what it is today and something we can all be proud of.
I’m also proud to be a female role model in agriculture, showing young people, especially girls, what they can achieve. Looking ahead, I’m excited about strengthening our links with local high schools so more students across the district can benefit from the learning, confidence, and pathways a school farm can offer. The future feels full of opportunities for our kids and our community.