The new facility, which is part of the school’s food and fibre centre, was officially unveiled on Tuesday by Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

“The dairy demonstration shed ... will ensure that milk production and dairy education remain key programs that are offered at the centre (in partnership with Dairy Tasmania) and accessible to all visitors,” he said.

“The visitor centre at the school has strong connections with the Tasmanian Agricultural Education Framework, and this statewide facility averages 5000 visitors each year.”

Hagley Farm School principal Mick Davy said the facility would provide an “interesting, hands-on experience” of milk production for students and visitors.

“It’s providing a safe opportunity for students to see cow’s being milked,” he said.

The shed is the first stage of three key stages to improve the agricultural education opportunities at the school’s visitor centre.

Stage two will see a shearing demonstration shed unveiled, alongside an improved sheep and wool education program.

The establishment of a cropping classroom and farming technologies hub will be the third stage of the project.

Hagley Farm School supports around 400 students and also welcomes more than 5000 students from other schools each year as part of its visitor education programs.