Cattle Farmer Conducts Food Education at Elementary School: Experiencing the Importance of Life Through Five Senses

Cattle Farmer Conducts Food Education at Elementary School

Takashi Itoga, a cattle farmer and member of the East Japan Direct Beef Research Association, held a cow-feeding experience class for 3rd-grade students at Asahi City Takisato Elementary School in Chiba Prefecture on May 19. A follow-up session for 5th and 6th graders is scheduled for June 2.

Mr. Itoga has been proposing and conducting food education classes at Takisato Elementary School since 2022, annually providing cow-feeding experiences and reading performances based on true stories.

### Food Education Through the Five Senses

During the classes, children visit the farm to feed the cattle straw and pellets, allowing them to experience the size, smell, and warmth of the animals firsthand. This engagement has led to positive changes, with staff noting that students have begun to eat with gratitude for the food and the producers.

### Future Outlook

This autumn, a reading of the picture-story show "Inochi wo Itadaku" (Receiving Life) is planned. Additionally, lectures on SDGs, such as reducing cow burps, and local industries are planned for 5th and 6th graders, continuing to provide opportunities to learn about the importance of life alongside gratitude for food.