Farmers who are hosting school visits as part of the Government’s Educational Access scheme have been astounded at children’s lack of knowledge about agriculture.

“They still think milk comes from bottles, even in rural areas,” said one farmer, interviewed by Dr Frances Harris from Kingston University who is carrying out research into the scheme. Another farmer was amazed that children were getting confused between sheep and goats.

There is a long way to go before children’s misconceptions are corrected and Dr Harris’ research report calls for farm visits to be included in teachers’ training. If this isn’t doable, they could always try The Archers.