Richland County Extension team's up with local Stockgrower Association, FFA chapters to teach the importance of agriculture

Published: 2019
By Tim Fine

More than three hundred second and third grade students from every elementary school in Richland County assembled at the Richland County Fairgrounds Event Center to learn about agriculture production and, more importantly how important agriculture is to their health and well-being. Statistics continue to show that fewer American citizens are directly involved in production agriculture. The percent of the population not involved in agriculture far exceeds the portion that is and while this is not the case in Richland County, the percent involved in agriculture does continue to decrease. The shift in these numbers and demographics has contributed to a lack of knowledge and understanding about how food products are produced and how safe the American food supply truly is. In an effort to combat this lack of knowledge, the Richland County Extension Office has teamed up with the Sidney/Richland County Chamber of Commerce, the MonDak Area Stockgrowers Association, and FFA Chapters from around Richland County to host Ag in the Classroom. The theme for 2019’s Ag in the Classroom was “making a Montana Happy Meal”. This educational event consisted of the students visiting educational “stations” where instructional and hand’s on educational activities were held to teach the students how bread is made, how fruits and vegetables are grown, and how hamburger, cheese, and butter is made and important aspects of safety on the farm. Ag in the Classroom is a vital educational tool to help children understand the importance and impact of our agricultural producers.