Farm Bureau's foster youth-ag connections

USAgNet - 03/19/2024

The American Farm Bureau Federation's County Activities of Excellence Awards shine a light on county Farm Bureaus dedicated to bridging the gap between youth and agriculture. These counties have developed unique, volunteer-driven programs aimed at educating and engaging young people in agricultural practices, sustainability, and food origins.

In Illinois, the Coles County Farm Bureau organized "Touch-A-Truck & Tractor," an event allowing children to explore farm and construction equipment up close, enhancing their understanding of agricultural machinery and its role in food production. The event also featured "Guess the Grain," a fun educational activity connecting local crops to food products.

Shelby County's "Sow and Tell" program in Illinois created a dialogue between farmers and students, using a pen pal-like approach to answer students' farming questions and build connections between agricultural communities and schools.

Michigan's Van Buren County Farm Bureau hosted "Farmer for a Day," inviting students to learn about agriculture through hands-on stations covering various topics from machinery to pollination, impacting over 900 students and teachers with the message of farming's significance.

In Minnesota, Meeker County Farm Bureau's live reading of "I LOVE Strawberries" by a local farmer offered first graders a tasty learning experience about strawberry farming, while each child received a book to take home, extending the lesson to families.

Lastly, Muskingum County Farm Bureau in Ohio aimed to spark interest in agricultural careers through their "Building for the Future of Agriculture" project at the county fair, educating fairgoers on the diverse opportunities within the agriculture sector.

These counties were celebrated for their innovative approaches to agricultural education at the 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, showcasing their commitment to cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of agriculture among the next generation.


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