Ag Day Helps Young People Connect Their Food To The Farm

Ag in the Classroom – 2019

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The third grade class in all of Mahaska County was given a chance this past year to understand more about life on the farm through the Ag in the Classroom. A program for students attending Oskaloosa Christian, Peoria Christian, North Mahaska, Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont, and Oskaloosa Schools.

This past week, those 232 students traveled to the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds to put some of that classroom time into hands-on learning. Another 100 volunteers were also there to help the young students through the day.

Karen Adams, the facilitator of the Ag in the Classroom program, once again led the day, now in its 10th year.

The Mahaska County Farm Bureau sponsors the yearly program, while the Mahaska County Cattlemen cook up lunch. “They’ve been a great asset to our program,” Adams said.

This year featured 14 different stations for students to explore. “It’s a lot of learning about Iowa Agriculture,” said Adams. Included in those stations was Megan Eveland of Mahaska County and Honey Queen, who was talking to students about the important pollinators.

With the ringing of the cowbell, each group knew it was time to head for a different station.

In the sheep barn, the students got an opportunity to touch and hold various farm animals.

“We’re using the FFA kids a lot this year,” explained Adams. “It’s been awesome.”

Adams also has a group of “Ambassadors” that help lead the different classes around from station to station. “It’s a lot of great learning about Iowa agriculture.”