The Niagara Career and Technical Education Center’s Animal Science teacher Todd Eick offered Orleans/Niagara BOCES students a unique adventure over the summer. He and a group of students spend eight days in Belgium and the Netherlands to learn about agriculture through the lens of science, tradition, horticulture and business. “It was an amazing experience for the students,” he says. “That region is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in agriculture, and the students had some unique hands-on opportunities. We visited a Belgian dairy, a working farm and a tulip farm in the Netherlands which was just beautiful. The students also got to see the architecture and learn about the history of the countries.”
Animal Science student Owen Neri is a North Tonawanda senior. He said it was an incredible adventure. “It was great seeing the old buildings and getting to see the farms and the processes they use for farming, livestock and dairy production. The tulip farm was lovely, and our tour guide was great. I want to continue my education is herbology, so I found it really fascinating. I would highly recommend taking one of these tours to any student. It was a lot of fun to see a different part of the world, learn about the history and enjoy some great food.”
Mr. Eick says the 2027 trip will focus on conservation in Costa Rica’s rainforest, kayaking, and a trip to an animal sanctuary. “I am looking for tours that are centered around agriculture. In 2028 we will be going to Northern Italy to experience the culinary heritage and show students how food shapes identity, economy and opportunity in the country. It’s really cool way to incorporate our curriculum into hands-on learning in a different part of the world while learning about their culture and becoming more globally aware.”
For Orleans/Niagara BOCES students interested in being part of the tour, you can contact Mr. Eick at teick@onboces.org at least 120 days before the trip in July for details.