Teaching Kids About Ag

June 8, 2009
Breakfast on the Farm has something for everyone
Despite soggy weather, 3,500 attend annual event
By Andy Nelesen

TOWN OF WRIGHTSTOWN, WI — For 6-year-old Jack Teller, the best part of Sunday's Breakfast on the Farm was playing in the hay. For his cousin, Alex McKean, who turns 10 today, it was the ice cream.

For Alex's brother, Sam McKean, also 10, it was the scrambled eggs — and having his photo taken with a few Green Bay Packers players.

There was something for everyone at the annual dairy industry promotion held this year at New Horizons Dairy on Rosin Road. The farm is owned by David and Barb Van De Hey.
recent years.

Paul Hazaert, who has led the breakfast's food operation for seven years, had supplies on hand to feed 7,000 people after nearly running out of food in 2008. Sunday's crowds reached about 3,500 people, said Mark Hagedorn, ag agent with Brown County University of Wisconsin-Extension.

"Given the weather, we're pleased we got what we got," he said.

By noon, Hazaert used 20,160 eggs, 400 pounds of yogurt, 1,600 bagels, 1,500 cups of coffee, 800 pounds of sausage links and 5,000 cartons of milk — most of which were donated or supplied at cost by area vendors. Leftovers and extra supplies were headed for local food pantries, he said. Read More


Students 'fuel up with milk'
Monday, June 8, 2009
Franklin County, Virginia
By JOEL TURNER - Staff Writer

Dairy Day at Callaway Elementary School was an educational and fun event for the students and teachers.

The day was a mixture of dairy calves, cow milking, ice cream, dairy products, a farm bingo game, a poster contest, storytime, videos and learning about what cows and calves eat.

The students visited eight educational stations to learn about dairy farming, milking a cow, caring for dairy cows, dairy products, and participate in dairy-related activities, including watching videos of dairy farm operations.

They also learned about tractors and safety with farm equipment.

The Dairy Day was arranged and sponsored by several
organizations, including the Franklin County Farm Bureau, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Southern States, Homestead Creamery, Kroger, Farm Credit and others.

At one station, the students milked Bessy, the cow. At another station, they learned what cows and calves eat. At another, they could taste dairy products. They could also attend storytime while eating ice cream. Read More

Everyday when I look at what is being said about agriculture and food production in this country I am reminded how important it is that farmers and ranchers educate our consumers, and more importantly, the next generation of consumers. Today I’m highlighting two great example of people taking the time to teach agriculture to their neighbors. Congratulations to the New Horizons Dairy in Wisconsin and to the many groups in Franklin County, Virginia for their hard work.

National FFA Convention

Some of you that check out my blog may have noticed my absence on several days last week. Well, I wasn't on vacation but I was on the road and spent most of last week in Indianapolis, IN for the National FFA Convention.

My wife and I sit on the American Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee and I am part of a sub-committee that hosts a booth at the convention. It was a great opportunity to mingle and visit with the next generation of agriculture that is coming up through the ranks. With nearly 50,000 FFA members in attendance, the air in Indianapolis was electric. These young members of our industry are more than excited about agriculture. One of the speakers at a general session challenged the members with producing twice as much food as their parents currently do. And judging by their reaction, this challenge will be met head on with enthusiasm and conviction.

I seem to hear quite often that kids these days don't want to work hard or have no interest in agriculture. If you hear those statements, challenge that person to attend a 4-H show at the conty fair, or an FFA meeting. My experience has been that you will walk away witha renewed sense of enthusiasm yourself and realize that agriculture will be passed on to very capable and willing hands.

"Humane" High School

HSUS Launches “Humane High School”
By Pork news staff (Monday, June 09, 2008)

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal-rights group, has launched “Humane High School.” This is an online service targeting middle-school and high-school students that includes courses, educational videos, study/activity guides, service learning ideas and career advice.

The program is part of the organization’s Humane Society Youth division. According to HSUS, the program asks students to “think critically” about issues affecting animals. Read More

We are continually reminded why it is important to spread the positive message of agriculture to the youth of this country. Those that are trying to eliminate animal agriculture continue to target youth with their messages and frequently their messages fail to tell the truth. Programs such as Ag in the Classroom are vital for educating our children about the true story of food production in this country.

Youth in Ag

County youths work to revitalize old group

With agriculture facing more and more obstacles from population growth, urban development and high operating costs, local farmers aren't the only people mobilizing to make sure their voices are heard.

A group of high school and college students is as well, forming the Wayne County Youth Grange.

And they aren't wasting any time getting active.

Publicity Chairwoman Ivey Best said the group is accomplishing so much so quickly because the members are committed to making a difference in what is happening to agriculture. Read More


While some people prefer to sit around and complain about the state of agriculture, others work together to offer solutions for a brighter future. The youth in agriculture are one of our greatest assets. Congratulations to these young people.

Edcuating our Youth

All about agriculture

EAGLE GROVE — Youth Environmental Agriculture Days brought more than 985 fifth-graders in eight days to the Wright County Fairgrounds in Eagle Grove to help them learn how agriculture and the environment impact their lives.

‘‘They’ve learned about water conservation, how to conserve and the fact that Iowa uses 90 percent of its land for agriculture,’’ said Lori Thomas, a fifth-grade teacher at Manson Northwest Webster. ‘‘It’s a good day for them to be exposed to agriculture concerns. Many kids don’t live on farms anymore, so it’s good exposure.’’ Read More

Having events like this are incredibly important for telling the story of agriculture. If kids are never exposed to life on the farm, they will never have the background knowledge to understand where there food comes from and how important agriculture is to the security of our country.