Elementary Ag Day offers exciting one-day education
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Ag Day provides hands-on education A host of educational activities centered around agriculture were available, including opportunities to interact with farm animals, during Ag Day at the Delphi Armory March 22. Fourth-graders from Carroll, Delphi and Camden elementary schools took part in the event aimed at teaching rural-urban children about agriculture. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Carroll County Ag Day was held March 22 at the Delphi Armory. Attended by 215 students from Carroll, Camden and Hillcrest elementary schools, the aim of the event was to educate Carroll County children about agriculture. Ag Day is part of National Ag Week.

Children rotated through sessions including popcorn, soybeans, corn, wheat (small grains), backyard conservation, soil, water, watersheds, careers, ag marketing, farm safety, farm machinery, swine, beef, dairy, forestry, vegetables and poultry.

"In this county, most children are privy to the basics of agriculture," Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District representative Rhonda Hicks said. "Ag Day was designed to stress items of interest they might not know about."

In the moooood for agriculture Delphi agriculture teacher Ross Striebeck was re-acquainted with mascots Bennie the Bean and Buttercup at Carroll County Ag Day last week. The mascots were provided through student support by Earth Team volunteers and the National Honor Society. The aim of the one-day event was to educate children about agriculture and food sources. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Volunteers from many local ag agencies, schools and the community made the annual event possible.

Volunteer Jerry Hendress said the event was "a great educational experience for today's young people" who in many cases don't have much agriculture background.

"We need to educate young people about agriculture and where their food comes from," Hendress said. "This program is great at doing that."

Pork Producers president Dave Lambert said event coordinator Hicks did a great job providing the opportunity for the children.

"So many kids aren't in agriculture," Lambert explained. "This gives an opportunity for urban children to get a look at what goes on at the farm."

Home lessons Sharon Wiggins shared backyard conservation information and tips to students from elementary schools county-wide during Ag Day March 22. The annual event was host to 215 students. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp