UPDATE: Nearly 2,400 fourth graders from Fargo and surrounding areas are actively learning about the origins of their food in a groundbreaking event hosted by North Dakota State University Extension and the North Dakota Ag Foundation. The “Living Ag Classroom” is taking place at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds and is set to run throughout the week.
Students from schools including Wahpeton, Central Cass, Ed Clapp, Bennett, and Madison visited on February 24, 2024, to engage in hands-on learning experiences. They rotated through several educational stations focused on various agricultural commodities such as corn, beans, sugar beets, honey, and even live animals like pigs, sheep, and dairy calves.
Karla Meikle, the state 4-H activities coordinator with NDSU Extension, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating,
“There’s so many kids who don’t know exactly where their food comes from. They’re so used to just going to the grocery store and purchasing, you know, their milk, their butter, their eggs, their hamburger, and they don’t know exactly where that originates from.”
This event not only teaches children about agriculture but also connects them to the food they consume daily, fostering a greater appreciation for local farming. The “Living Ag Classroom” has been a staple in the community for over 20 years, and its continuation this week reflects a strong commitment to agricultural education.
As this important educational event unfolds, it highlights a growing need for awareness about food sources among younger generations, making it more crucial than ever to bridge this knowledge gap. The initiative aims to cultivate informed consumers who understand the journey of food from farm to table.
Stay tuned for more updates as the “Living Ag Classroom” continues to engage students in these vital lessons. Share this news to spread the word about how local initiatives are making a difference in education and community awareness!