Farming and Rural Skills Workshops (14+) - Autumn/Winter 2026
Farming and Rural Skills Workshops (Age 14+)
Our Education team at the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre, here on the Dumfries House Estate, offers a fantastic and truly unique programme of workshops for secondary pupils aged 14+, covering a wide range of curricular areas. Working alongside our experienced team in a state-of-the-art teaching facility, pupils will be introduced to key farming skills and knowledge through hands-on, practical learning and close-up experiences. And don’t worry… we provide the wellies!
Workshop Options
Growing Well: Harvesting Opportunity (Full Day)
This engaging workshop explores the concept of diversification and how it can shape the future of rural businesses. Pupils will investigate non-traditional income streams that improve economic viability and resilience, including renewables, leisure, hospitality, food production and sales. Through real-life case studies, learners will consider factors such as seasonality, labour availability, location, and existing skills, helping them to think creatively about future opportunities in land-based industries.
Animal Husbandry: From Calves to Finished Cattle (Full Day)
This immersive, full-day experience focuses on modern beef cattle production. Pupils will explore breeding cycles, animal health, condition scoring and quality assurance systems. With hands-on opportunities including our calving simulator and live cattle handling in our purpose-built byre, learners will gain practical insight into weighing, measuring, and selecting finished cattle. The session also introduces marketing options, grading systems and how farmers are paid for their produce.
Farm Labour: Farming in Ayrshire (Full Day)
Discover why Ayrshire is renowned for its farming heritage in this informative and engaging workshop. Pupils will learn what shapes farming practices locally and across Scotland, explore the importance of weather in farming decisions, and gain practical experience moving livestock safely for health checks and weighing. The workshop also compares rare breeds with commercial livestock, helping learners understand the diversity of modern farming.
Farm Labour: Introduction to Practical Farming (Full Day)
This hands-on workshop gives pupils a unique opportunity to experience day-to-day farming activities within our education facilities. Learners will be introduced to animal husbandry and develop skills in caring for livestock, including safe handling techniques. Working within our education byre, pupils will guide animals through a real farm system, gaining valuable practical knowledge and confidence.
Land-Based Skills: The Business of Farming (Full Day)
Focusing on the business side of agriculture, this session introduces pupils to the key stakeholders involved in agribusiness and the factors that influence decision-making. Learners will build a toolkit of essential business skills, including SWOT analysis, budgeting, understanding internal and external environments, and identifying sources of finance. The workshop also highlights digital tools and software used to meet legislative requirements and support modern farm businesses.
NEW for AW26 – Specialised Vocational Teaching: Do It The Dairy Way (Half Day, 10:00–12:00)
In Do It The Dairy Way, students gain a hands-on insight into how dairy food is produced, right here at MacRoberts. Following an engaging farm tour where they will meet our rare breed animals, learners will have the opportunity to try milking our very own cow, Rosie—an authentic and memorable way to connect directly with where food comes from.
The experience then becomes even more practical, as students make their own butter from fresh cream and learn how cottage cheese is produced, exploring the science and processes behind both.
This is a full-circle learning experience that combines food production, practical skills, and an understanding of sustainable farming in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. Groups are welcome to spend additional time exploring the Estate after the workshop or return to school.
Booking Information
- Full-day workshops run from 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Do It The Dairy Way runs from 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Maximum group size: 20 pupils
- Minimum booking: 12 pupils
- All workshops are free of charge
Booking options
Farming and Rural Skills Workshops (Age 14+)
Our Education team at the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre, here on the Dumfries House Estate, offers a fantastic and truly unique programme of workshops for secondary pupils aged 14+, covering a wide range of curricular areas. Working alongside our experienced team in a state-of-the-art teaching facility, pupils will be introduced to key farming skills and knowledge through hands-on, practical learning and close-up experiences. And don’t worry… we provide the wellies!
Workshop Options
Growing Well: Harvesting Opportunity (Full Day)
This engaging workshop explores the concept of diversification and how it can shape the future of rural businesses. Pupils will investigate non-traditional income streams that improve economic viability and resilience, including renewables, leisure, hospitality, food production and sales. Through real-life case studies, learners will consider factors such as seasonality, labour availability, location, and existing skills, helping them to think creatively about future opportunities in land-based industries.
Animal Husbandry: From Calves to Finished Cattle (Full Day)
This immersive, full-day experience focuses on modern beef cattle production. Pupils will explore breeding cycles, animal health, condition scoring and quality assurance systems. With hands-on opportunities including our calving simulator and live cattle handling in our purpose-built byre, learners will gain practical insight into weighing, measuring, and selecting finished cattle. The session also introduces marketing options, grading systems and how farmers are paid for their produce.
Farm Labour: Farming in Ayrshire (Full Day)
Discover why Ayrshire is renowned for its farming heritage in this informative and engaging workshop. Pupils will learn what shapes farming practices locally and across Scotland, explore the importance of weather in farming decisions, and gain practical experience moving livestock safely for health checks and weighing. The workshop also compares rare breeds with commercial livestock, helping learners understand the diversity of modern farming.
Farm Labour: Introduction to Practical Farming (Full Day)
This hands-on workshop gives pupils a unique opportunity to experience day-to-day farming activities within our education facilities. Learners will be introduced to animal husbandry and develop skills in caring for livestock, including safe handling techniques. Working within our education byre, pupils will guide animals through a real farm system, gaining valuable practical knowledge and confidence.
Land-Based Skills: The Business of Farming (Full Day)
Focusing on the business side of agriculture, this session introduces pupils to the key stakeholders involved in agribusiness and the factors that influence decision-making. Learners will build a toolkit of essential business skills, including SWOT analysis, budgeting, understanding internal and external environments, and identifying sources of finance. The workshop also highlights digital tools and software used to meet legislative requirements and support modern farm businesses.
NEW for AW26 – Specialised Vocational Teaching: Do It The Dairy Way (Half Day, 10:00–12:00)
In Do It The Dairy Way, students gain a hands-on insight into how dairy food is produced, right here at MacRoberts. Following an engaging farm tour where they will meet our rare breed animals, learners will have the opportunity to try milking our very own cow, Rosie—an authentic and memorable way to connect directly with where food comes from.
The experience then becomes even more practical, as students make their own butter from fresh cream and learn how cottage cheese is produced, exploring the science and processes behind both.
This is a full-circle learning experience that combines food production, practical skills, and an understanding of sustainable farming in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. Groups are welcome to spend additional time exploring the Estate after the workshop or return to school.
Booking Information
- Full-day workshops run from 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Do It The Dairy Way runs from 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Maximum group size: 20 pupils
- Minimum booking: 12 pupils
- All workshops are free of charge
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