Clyde High School Future Farmers of America, with the help of Clyde Young Farmers organization and Sunrise Cooperative, observed National Agriculture Month in March by visiting Clyde Elementary and Green Springs third-graders March 28 to educate them about agriculture.
Several Young Farmers drove their big tractors to school to show the kids. Included were two antique tractors, a corn sheller and a fertilizer spreader from Sunrise Cooperative, which cost of $750,000. Each farmer explained the use of their equipment and allowed the students to climb high into the cab. "The bigger the tractor, the more appeal," said Garett Tipton, FFA treasurer.
Kent Williams allowed the students to try out a corn sheller, where an ear of corn was inserted in the top and shelled by turning a crank. Williams also oversaw a raffle for prizes where students were each given a ticket; if their ticket number was pulled, they had their choice of a toy tractor, key chain, cap or pen.
Inside the schools, five teams of FFA students conducted classes about agriculture in the third-grade classrooms. Kristopher Bonnigson, FFA president, said approximately 30 students participated. They had spent almost two weeks of class time preparing their lesson plans under the instruction of their ag teacher, Barrett Zimmerman. All were very efficient and organized. One team brought jars of seeds for the students to guess the type of seed, which use was later explained and food samples provided.
Children soak up agriculture information
"I was impressed the kids knew so much already," said Ryleigh Audritsh, FFA secretary, adding that the kids soaked up a lot of additional knowledge during their presentation.
That team had germinated some seeds a week earlier so the third-graders could see the results. Clara Williams and Ava Blankenship said they liked working with the younger students and Evan Brewer added it was a fun day for him. Other teams discussed farm animals and products coming from them while another team led arts and crafts.
FFA members share that ag classes teach more than farming
All students praised their agriculture classes, stating that it gave them leadership ability and pushed them beyond their limits. Some live in town and were never exposed to agriculture before. Tipton does not live on a farm, but said that his agriculture classes changed him, giving him confidence in public speaking. He followed in the footsteps of older siblings and had been encouraged by Zimmerman to take ag classes, he said.
FFA member Ian Strasbaugh explained that agriculture is much more than farming. He listed many agriculture-based job opportunities in mechanics, transportation, medical, distribution, packaging and veterinary. He also said his ag classes have taught him to be a better person.
Another student said ag classes, which provide hands-on learning, are underrated by many people. Danika Harvey recommended ag classes, where she learned about conservation, stating she now wants a future career in that field.
Earlier in March, tractors were driven to Clyde High School to educate the students about agriculture, Zimmerman said.
Upcoming events in Clyde
A Night of Worship will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 147 W. Forest St., across from the Clyde Public Library. It will be led by Brian Farrar, worship and praise leader at St. Paul, with special guest Sam Dagg. Others will include a combination of St. Paul, the United Methodist Church, Harvest Baptist Temple and Cedar Creek. The public is invited.
"Marrying History with Innovation" will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Clyde Museum by Justin LaBenne, Clyde city manager and president of the Clyde Heritage League. The Heritage League annual meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., where dues can be paid. The museum is located on West Buckeye Street, across from the post office.
Jeanette Liebold Ricker writes about Clyde and Green Springs. Contact her at 419-547-8177.
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