Gordon Young Farmers hold Ag Day for area third graders
The Gordon County Young Farmers hosted a county wide Ag Day for all third graders in the county school system recently. More than 500 students visited booths set up by various agriculture related industries.
Local agriculture students and Gordon County Young Farmer members f rom Sonoraville High School, Gordon Central High School, Calhoun High School and Red Bud Middle School served as group leaders to rotate the third graders throughout all ten stations.
North Georgia EMC explained how important electricity is to our farmers and how it is used on the farm. A display was used to show students the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe near electric lines.
Pilgrim’s Pride brought chickens of different ages for the students to hold. This quickly became one of the favorites as students held chicks just a few days old. Company representatives explained the path of the farm to the plate.
Students from a local rodeo team were on hand and illustrated to third graders how to rope a calf and allowed students to practice using a lasso.
The l ocal Natural Resources Conservation Service office spoke to the students on the importance of keeping land and waterways clean. Using a display, local NRCS representatives showed the students how wastes, garbage and spills affect the water needed for our use.
The Gordon County Antique Tractor Club brought two John Deere tractors so students could see how tractors have changed throughout the years. Students were given a chance to turn the hand crank on the older model tractor.
While visiting the Georgia Forestry Commission booth, students tried on clothing used by rangers during forest fires, hid under a fire shelter tent and learned the dangers of playing with fire.
While visiting the beef station, students learned how farmers take care of their cattle. The students enjoyed watching footage of the cattle eating and running in the fields.
Farm Bureau set up a station that focused on dairy cows and the products we enjoy and use every day because of milk.
The local extension office explained t he i mportance of agriculture for everyone, the many jobs we have because of agriculture, described some local agriculture jobs and how students can get involved at this age and learn more by joining the local 4- H group.
Georgia Aquaponic Produce brought an aquaponic model for the students to learn how fish provide the nutrients needed to grow healthy plants. The students were amazed that plants were growing only in the water and enjoyed touching and seeing the plant roots.
Schools were given bags with pencils, stickers, coloring sheets and candy to pass out to all students attending Ag Day. After all rotations were completed, a lunch was provided to all volunteers by the Gordon County Young Farmers. The event was sponsored by Gordon County Schools, Gravitt Farm Supply, Fairmount Poultry and Building Supply, Inc., Eagle Color and Blending, Calhoun Farm Supply, First Bank of Calhoun and NorthSide Bank.