WHAT DOES A COW EAT?

Here in Ferndale, WA, my FFA chapter visits schools to teach elementary kids the basics of agriculture. The kids are always very curious and really enjoy the presentations we give.

It’s important for youth to be aware of agriculture for so many reasons. It’s been several generations since we had to “do for ourselves” and grow our own food. I’ve read stories of kids in New York when asked where their food came from answering “from a truck.”

In the following article, Mr. Peter Bakklen, lifelong farmer in Sioux Falls, SD presents to a fourth grade class on what life on the farm is like.

The real winner from Mr. Bakken’s presentation was Nathanial Borum, a fourth grader in the class who said, “Learning what cows eat was very cool.” Nathaniel is now interested in farming and where his food comes from.

Ms.Rebecca Christman, outreach director for Adopt-A-Farmer, concludes with “We really just think it’s good to help students understand where their food is coming from. It doesn't come from the grocery store.” That is a lesson I hope we all can teach young kids.

What are you doing to advance agriculture education in your community? Please share your ideas and experiences with us all!  Here’s the whole story from the “Argus Leader” newspaper – written by Patrick Anderson

You can read the article at: bit.ly/CowFeed