FARMING cartoon character George the Farmer has made his first major public appearance, getting dust on his boots and meeting beef producers from across Australia at Beef 2015 in Qld.
He was a huge hit with children at the recent six-day event at Rockhampton, with creators Simone Kain, Penola, and Ben Hood, Mount Gambier, performing three 15-minute shows each day.
These comprised singalongs to the catchy tune We Love Beef written especially for the event, dancing, and discussion about the beef industry.
Ms Kain and Mr Hood were asked to participate in the biggest event on the beef calendar after the coordinator of the Beef 2015 Kids Program noticed an article on George the Farmer in Good Fruit & Vegetables magazine in January.
They estimate they entertained about 200 children a day but also met many more walking around the grounds where 90,000 people flocked to during Beef 2015
"It was great to take turns getting into the George the Farmer suit and seeing how children reacted around him,'' Ms Kain said. "The only feedback we had before was on social media but in the suit we were able to see the looks on their faces when they met George.
"He has a connection to kids from the land as they associate with what he does on the farm, comparing it to their parents - and for city-based kids he provides the link to learn more about farming along with food and fibre production."
She said the main aim of George was to educate rural and city children about farming practices in a fun way and fill a void in stories for youngsters between one and eight years old about farming.
"Food security is such a big issue. People want to know where their food is coming from. George's aim is to help educate the public about how their food is produced," she said.
The United Nations is predicting that by 2050 food production needs to increase by between 60 per cent and 70pc, which Ms Kain said could bring serious implications for Australia and the world in terms of food security.
"The ones who will be addressing the food security issues are in kindergarten or yet to be born," she said.
The first George the Farmer story was launched in July last year as an interactive book and soon topped the iTunes charts.
In December the story about George planting a crop was released as a published soft-copy book.
The creative duo - who also run creative agency helloFriday - received their biggest coup with George the Farmer written into the Australian School's Curriculum.
They have also compiled a recently released Songs from the Farm Unplugged EP available on CD or from iTunes store.
As well as We Love Beef, other songs include Mate Where's My Next Sheep and The Harvest Hop.
A second story highlighting George's adventures with shearing and wool production is due to be released in the middle of the year and Ms Kain and Mr Hood are also working on a gaming app which features four mini games.
"We had no idea what to expect and were just going along for the ride but we are loving producing content for George," Ms Kain said.
Details:www.georgethefarmer.com.au