5 things we learnt from judging Picasso Cows this year
03 September 2026
By Dairy Australia Farmer Ambassadors Rachel Nicholson and Narelle Zanker
When we signed up to judge this year's Picasso Cows competition, we knew we'd see some colourful cows and creative designs. What we didn't expect was just how much thought, curiosity and enthusiasm students would bring to learning about dairy. From painted fibreglass cows to detailed learning journals, the entries were a reminder of why programs like Picasso Cows matter. Here are five things that stood out to us.
1. Kids are genuinely curious about dairy
One of the biggest surprises was the quality of the questions students were asking. Across the learning journals, we saw students exploring everything from cow care and nutrition to milk production, sustainability and life on a farm. They weren't just learning facts. They were connecting the dots and wanting to understand how dairy farming works and where their food comes from. As dairy farmers, it was encouraging to see that level of interest and curiosity.
2. Creativity is a powerful teacher
The cows themselves were incredible. Every entry had its own personality, story and style. Some were funny, some were artistic and some were packed with clever references to what students had learnt about dairy. What impressed us most was how students used creativity to demonstrate their understanding. They weren't simply decorating a cow. They were bringing their learning to life. It was a great reminder that sometimes the best learning happens when students get to create, explore and have fun.
3. Real farmer connections make a difference
Many schools connected directly with dairy farmers through farm visits, virtual classroom sessions or local industry engagement. Those experiences came through clearly in the entries. When students hear directly from farmers, they gain a much deeper appreciation for the people, animals and effort involved in producing dairy products. For us, that's one of the most valuable parts of the program. It helps build real connections between farming communities and the next generation.
4. Schools are finding amazing ways to bring agriculture into the classroom
One thing we loved seeing was just how flexible the program is. Teachers used Picasso Cows to explore science, geography, nutrition, sustainability, art, writing and even maths. The learning journals showed just how much effort goes into creating meaningful and engaging classroom experiences. It's a credit to the teachers who are helping students understand agriculture in ways that are relevant, practical and memorable.
5. The future is in good hands
Perhaps our biggest takeaway was how optimistic we felt after reviewing the entries. Students showed creativity, teamwork, curiosity and a genuine interest in learning more about food production and farming. Whether or not they choose a future career in agriculture, helping young people understand where their food comes from is important. Programs like Picasso Cows give students a window into our industry and help build understanding between urban and regional Australia. And if this year's entries are anything to go by, the future is looking bright.
Our biggest takeaway?
The cows were colourful, creative and often hilarious.
But the real highlight was seeing how engaged students became when they had the chance to learn about dairy farming. Their questions, ideas and enthusiasm were a reminder that young people are genuinely interested in understanding where their food comes from.
Choosing winners from schools across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia was incredibly difficult because every entry had something special about it. The imagination, effort and pride that students poured into their cows and learning journals was evident from the moment we started judging.
To every student, teacher and school that took part, thank you. You've given us plenty to smile about and reminded us why sharing our farming stories matters. More importantly, you've shown that the next generation is curious, engaged and excited to learn about Australian agriculture.
And as dairy farmers, that's something worth celebrating.
1. Kids are genuinely curious about dairy
One of the biggest surprises was the quality of the questions students were asking. Across the learning journals, we saw students exploring everything from cow care and nutrition to milk production, sustainability and life on a farm. They weren't just learning facts. They were connecting the dots and wanting to understand how dairy farming works and where their food comes from. As dairy farmers, it was encouraging to see that level of interest and curiosity.
2. Creativity is a powerful teacher
The cows themselves were incredible. Every entry had its own personality, story and style. Some were funny, some were artistic and some were packed with clever references to what students had learnt about dairy. What impressed us most was how students used creativity to demonstrate their understanding. They weren't simply decorating a cow. They were bringing their learning to life. It was a great reminder that sometimes the best learning happens when students get to create, explore and have fun.
3. Real farmer connections make a difference
Many schools connected directly with dairy farmers through farm visits, virtual classroom sessions or local industry engagement. Those experiences came through clearly in the entries. When students hear directly from farmers, they gain a much deeper appreciation for the people, animals and effort involved in producing dairy products. For us, that's one of the most valuable parts of the program. It helps build real connections between farming communities and the next generation.
4. Schools are finding amazing ways to bring agriculture into the classroom
One thing we loved seeing was just how flexible the program is. Teachers used Picasso Cows to explore science, geography, nutrition, sustainability, art, writing and even maths. The learning journals showed just how much effort goes into creating meaningful and engaging classroom experiences. It's a credit to the teachers who are helping students understand agriculture in ways that are relevant, practical and memorable.
5. The future is in good hands
Perhaps our biggest takeaway was how optimistic we felt after reviewing the entries. Students showed creativity, teamwork, curiosity and a genuine interest in learning more about food production and farming. Whether or not they choose a future career in agriculture, helping young people understand where their food comes from is important. Programs like Picasso Cows give students a window into our industry and help build understanding between urban and regional Australia. And if this year's entries are anything to go by, the future is looking bright.
Our biggest takeaway?
The cows were colourful, creative and often hilarious.
But the real highlight was seeing how engaged students became when they had the chance to learn about dairy farming. Their questions, ideas and enthusiasm were a reminder that young people are genuinely interested in understanding where their food comes from.
Choosing winners from schools across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia was incredibly difficult because every entry had something special about it. The imagination, effort and pride that students poured into their cows and learning journals was evident from the moment we started judging.
To every student, teacher and school that took part, thank you. You've given us plenty to smile about and reminded us why sharing our farming stories matters. More importantly, you've shown that the next generation is curious, engaged and excited to learn about Australian agriculture.
And as dairy farmers, that's something worth celebrating.