Today I was fortunate enough to take students to the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Days. Farm Bureau does a great job of putting on this 2 day event that allows elementary school kids to tour exhibits that completely represent the agriculture industry and it's importance. It really helps students learn about food production and how it gets to their dinner plate. The Farm Bureau always invites 4-H and FFA members to help man booths and exhibits. While handing out carrots, apples or milk and even helping students learn how to sit in a saddle, the older 4-H and FFA members get to share their knowledge.
This trip for us was a little last minute planning (entirely my fault). I was only able to get five students for volunteering today. And the students I got permission slips back from were my less than typical Ag students. At first I was a little apprehensive with the group I had. While they are all great kids, I only had one that had any real experience with FFA and food production through her market hog SAE. What knowledge of agriculture could they share with kids they would meet?
Now, for me this was slightly nerve racking! Taking this diverse group of kids, putting them in a uniform, sending them into the public eye to represent themselves, me, the school and agriculture. That's kinda a big job for them!
The best thing about the FFA jacket is it brings people together and evens the playing field. It gives kids confidence to speak, listen and advocate regardless of their background, color, shape and size. It empowers kids to take a leadership role and help others.
At the conclusion of the day I had a slight lightbulb moment. Ya know-- ding ding!! The group I took today learned tons from helping the kids and working the booths. It wasn't about what knowledge they shared, it was about the exposure to such a great event that showcased agriculture. Each of my kids needed the Ag Day as much as the little guys.
The best part was their ideas on the way home about how they can be more involved in agriculture. We need to expose everyone in our schools and communities to the importance of agriculture and food production.
Additionally, as a thanks to the kids, we stopped at Moustache (the yummiest cupcake place in Healdsburg) on the way home. The owner (mid thirties, hispanic man) happened to ring us up and noticed the kids jackets. He said that he was in FFA in high school and told the kids about how it really set him up for running a business. He said he didn't show animals but he learned a lot about speaking, being organized and working with a group. He commended the kids and offered to help them if the ever needed anything.
This is the true gift of agriculture education and FFA. It's a good thing-- plain and simple. Anyone can learn something and we've got stuff for everyone! It's not always the FFA cheerleaders or RA-RA Ag kids that need us most. It's the rest of them-- the Not-So Typical Ag Kid. They need us and we need them.
Nice work! Today was a jeans and boots kinda day:)
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