STUDENTS in schools across the state have the chance to get hands-on with the dairy industry by competing in this year's Cows Create Careers program.
The program started in Gippsland, Vic, in 2004 and places two dairy calves in participating schools, giving students the chance to learn practical skills in caring for them.
It also includes a curriculum for Year 7 to Year 11, where students can learn about the industry before completing projects to demonstrate their knowledge.
Following the project, each region will hold a presentation day in June with prizes awarded to winning students and schools.
State coordinator Kylie Boston said the project had been in SA for seven years and was growing each year.
"It gives these kids an experience with dairy," she said.
The program is divided into four regions in SA with 33 schools participating from the Barossa and Mid North, South East, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Murray Bridge district.
Dairy Australia's Industry Capability program manager Tracy Lloyd said the program had evolved nationally to more than 210 schools and 9456 students completing the program in 2014.
She said the module helped build awareness of the careers available, with some education about different options available, including guest speakers.
"By bringing calves into schools, students have fun learning about the different skills required in the dairy industry," she said.
Ms Boston said the number of schools could fluctuate, with some schools holding the program every year while others preferred to alternate years.
"This works as a really great introduction into agriculture," she said.
She said the program had benefits beyond just the students.
"It is very community based," she said.
"It educates the teachers as well and gives them an insight to the industry.
"Also the school community - parents get involved as the calves need to be fed on the weekend as well."
Ms Lloyd said the project relied on the help of volunteers and sponsors, with dairyfarmer advocates supplying the calves and providing information to the students.
"Volunteers play a vital role in encouraging and supporting students and their career decision making," she said.
Mount Torrens dairyfarmer Rick Gladigau, who has got behind the program during the past few years, supplying calves to local schools, said it was a great way for students to learn about the industry.
And it was a good age to start sharing the message about farming.
"It's just a different way for people to learn what's going on - that milk doesn't happen in a bottle," he said.
The program was also a good set-up because it gave students the responsibility of looking after the animals, alongside research and projects.
"They always seem to get quite a kick out of it," he said.