On Tuesday, May 8th, the elementary teachers and their students spent the day outside rather than sitting in the classroom. The reason for this was the annual FFA Farm Day that is hosted each year. Farm day is an annual event held by Fair Grove’s FFA departement, it is meant to be an educational experience for the younger elementary students. Several small agricultural exhibits are set up just outside of the agricultural building on the Fair Grove campus. These exhibits include, but are not limited to, goats, pigs, horses, chickens, dogs, a calf, rabbits, plants, and various agricultural machines like tractors. Many of the students who participate in a high school agricultural class, or are in FFA, bring some sort of farm animal, or machine to present to the visiting classes. Students are also recruited to walk the elementary classes through the makeshift zoo.

In a society that is spearheaded by technological developments, it is important that future generations understand the importance of agriculture. Mattie Cobban (12) stated, “not many kids understand where our food comes from, so it’s a fun way to teach future generations about agriculture, and our way of life.” Mattie Cobban spent the day exhibiting her Spinone Italiano. She included, “It is a sporting type breed of dog that comes from Italy.” Other exciting exhibits included several goats that were presented by Sarah Bethurem (11), and horse that was being presented by Sierra Anderjaska (12). The quarter horse became a big hit during farm day, for elementary, and high school students alike. Brandon Thaller (11) exclaimed, “My favorite part of Farm Day is the horse, because I’ve grown up with a strong connection to horses, and I love spending time with them!” This years’ Farm Day was another success for Fair Grove Schools.

The agriculture program here in Fair Grove seems to be flourishing, and in a state like Missouri, the importance of farming, and agriculture plays an important role in the lives of most residents.