The successful launch of an agriculture education day was a long-awaited achievement for organizer and Fergus Agricultural Society director Rebecca Hannam.
She said she’s been eager to bring the education day to life for years.
“The ability to add an educational event outside of our annual fall fair for students is a natural extension of our objective to showcase local agriculture and bring community together,” said Hannam. “We’re able to feature local food and farming to students and teachers in a new format that aligns with what they are already learning in the classroom.”
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The June 5 event at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus, brought learning to life for nearly 340 local Grade 5 students from nine schools with fun and engaging hands-on experiences.
Hannam worked with educational consultant Christine Armstrong and a team of 60 volunteers to present the educational event. Students visited 25 learning stations where local farmers, agri-food industry representatives and agricultural society volunteers led discussions and hands-on activities.
“Our education stations ranged from animal care and local crops to on-farm robotics and careers in agriculture,” said Hannam, explaining that the information presented at each learning station was tailored to support the Grade 5 curriculum.
Some of the most popular stations featured precision ag technology and farm equipment, a farmers’ Olympics event and live animal displays.
Cultivating Knowledge
The agriculture education day was made possible by a seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. Hannam said the organization was able to leverage the funding to help plan and execute the event, including hiring an educational consultant and project co-ordinator to research existing educational programs and purchase resources.
“The grant helped us get the event off the ground in this first year and sets us up for success in future years. I’m hopeful we can make this an annual event,” she said.
Consulting with volunteers and fellow agricultural societies that host similar events, Hannam and members of the organizing committee were able to glean insightful information that helped make the day such a success.
“We are so fortunate to have such an amazing community of agricultural groups here in Ontario that are willing to share their experiences organizing agricultural education events for students,” said Hannam, explaining that she interviewed organizers from similar events including Bite of Brant held in Burford, Roots of Bruce held in Walkerton, and Pizza Perfect that is organized and hosted by the Grand River Agricultural Society in Elora.
“I’m grateful for all the knowledge that has been shared, and I look forward to paying it forward so we can reach as many students as possible through these grassroots programs.”
The Fergus Agricultural Society has been focused on expanding opportunities to connect with youth and the community outside of their fall fair, which takes place annually each September. The agriculture education day is one of two community outreach events in June, with the second, a local breakfast on the farm scheduled for June 21.
“It’s rewarding to introduce students to farmers, crops and animals for the first time and really see them make that connection on how our food is produced,” said Hannam.
“That’s one of the most gratifying things about agricultural education events and fairs and what motivates volunteers to give their time and share their stories.”
