Submitted
LA CROSSE — FFA members at La Crosse Middle/High School hosted the annual Day on the Farm event for La Crosse Elementary students on Oct. 1 at the Rush County Fairgrounds.
The event increased agricultural literacy and safety and was planned and executed by the FFA Chapter in partnership with the Rush County Farm Bureau. Students experienced many facets of agriculture with presentations that ranged from plant and soils to electrical safety and food science.
“It is important that our students gain a well-rounded education and being exposed to and understanding why agriculture is important is crucial for student future career options,” said Bill Keeley, La Crosse Elementary School principal and USD 395 superintendent. “Our students had a wonderful day, and everyone left with a greater appreciation for the many aspects of agriculture.”
Students in agricultural education classes led lessons on food science, plant and soil science and electrical circuits. Business and industry representatives presented on technology in agronomy and farming, indoor swine operations, livestock evaluation, the dairy industry, electrical safety, streams and the importance of streams and watersheds to the natural resources in the Rush County area.
“I loved getting my hands dirty by playing in the soil, learning about water streams, and I loved learning about electricity,” said kindergartner Dylan Schlegel.
The La Crosse FFA Chapter would like to thank the following business and industry partners for contributing to the success of the day: Southwest Dairy Farmers, John Georg, Rush County Conservation District, Wet Walnut Creek Watershed, Great Plains Precision Ag, LLC, and the Kansas State Research and Extension Walnut Creek District.
Agriculture programs prepare students for high-demand careers in cutting-edge industries like biotechnology, renewable energies, engineering and food production. They also teach students how to be leaders and prepare them to take on the challenges of the next generation.
The La Crosse Middle/High School Ag program has 55 students and 35 FFA members. The program offers a wide array of classes from welding to plant and animal science to agricultural research. The La Crosse Middle/High School FFA Chapter works in tandem with the ag program to develop premiere leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The La Crosse Middle/High School agriculture teacher is Chelsey Smith.
