On the 22nd of October some of the school's students visited El Serradet de Barneres farm, in l'Esquirol. This is a small-scale business dedicated to the production and sale of sheep 's milk products, these include cream cheese and yoghurt, as well as cured cheese in the near future. We were well looked after by Sergi and Maria, two of the three partners. It was especially interesting to see how they succesfully operate, given that they do not come from a farming background. Their philosophy dictates that they grow gradually until they can make a reasonable living from the enterprise. The maximum number of sheep they plan to have is 100, at present they have a herd of 70.
From the 15th to the 24th of November the University of Vic is organising their 18th Science Week. Quintanes School is certainly participating in a talk about ´Alternance Pedagogy`, as well as an activity of ´Discovering autumn forest vegetation. It will no doubt be of great interest!
On the 24th of October the first year students from the forestry and environment management course visited thefacilities of two important forestry-related companies; the forest nurseries of Forestal Catalana in Breda and Vivers Tortadès in Sant Hilari de Sacalm. In both places the students learned about the production process,work management, the facilities and machinery used. In addition, they enjoyed the demonstrations of soil and plant extraction out in the field.
On the 3rd of October the second year medium-level gardening students visited the company BRUCJARDÍ in Llinars del Vallès. Mr Francesc Caballero, director of the business, showed us around the facilities, highlighting the most recent trends in the world of gardening. We particularly enjoyed the enthusiasm with which he conducted the visit, it was very much appreciated.
On the 23rd of October the first year pig breeding students visited Mas Bes in Salitja. This is a milk-producing farm which provides milk to ATO Natura, a product which is rich in Omega-3 fat acids. Joan Viñolas and Carles Comas explained to us about the company's evolution, as well as its day-to-day running and the Biogàs plant which produces electricity.
http://masbesdesalitja.blogspot.com.es/ http://www.ato.cat/
http://masbesdesalitja.blogspot.de/2013/10/ens-visiten-alumnes-de-quintanes.html
Between the 7th and 11th of October the above student group went on the yearly course trip, 22 students were involved. They visited the river Tarn ´Midi Pyrénées` area of France, close to Castres and Albi. There they visited various organisations that work in the pig breeding sector, attended talks and could see some of its cultural sights too. All in all, it was a very positive experience for the students, as well as for the teachers Xevi Pujol and Josep Bagaria.
Last Thursday, 17th of October, the first year forestry students visited the wood and forestry project company owned by Josep Cuch, an ex-student of the school. Josep explained to us how the company works, its future projects and history, and also showed us the machines it uses.
Last week the first year pig production students made their first study trip. Mr Jordi Casals received them at his home, l'Escanera. His company is very much a family-owned business typical of Osona and our students were able to see how the farm is run.
The objective of this course is to train students as specialised staff in animal welfare for livestock farms. The course is intended for working or unemployed people interested in obtaining the Animal Welfare certificate demanded by the European Union. It will take place in the afternoons in October, from 17.00 to 21.00.
On the 2nd of October the second year pig breeding production course students visited Mas Reixagò, in Olost de Lluçanès. This is a company that offers various services: crop production, milk production, pig breeding, solar powered electricity provision and also cheese making.The students were able to learn all about the business and its progression into different sectors to generate more profits.
On Friday 4th October the students from the above medium-level course gained experience driving a tractor. Josep Bagaria and Joan Rifà were responsible for running the activity and testing the students' abilities. All students put their skills to the test.
Course Objective: This course is aimed at those involved in the above areas. Its objective is to train attendees to be specialised in animal welfare during the transportation process. Course dates: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th of April, 3rd of May. From 17.00 until 21.00. General part: 190€. Specialised part: 75€
