Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Autauga County Schools 6th grade classes throughout the district packed the R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Pavilion Wednesday morning. Over 400 students got a sneak peek of farm life and got up close and personal to the rich agricultural heritage that encapsulates the heart of Autauga County.
Every year, the entirety of 6th graders throughout the district gets the educational opportunity to see the importance of agriculture right here in their community. Educational stations were set up for students to try their hand at calf roping while other exhibits included Eleven86 water and how their bottles are made. Students were able to pet livestock, see a colony of bees, a cotton gin and much more.
“I look forward to this day every year. It’s a great opportunity to have these children, and especially the urban children, to learn more about agriculture and where our food comes from because a lot just think it comes from the store. This also helps to start planting seeds about agricultural careers,” Autauga County Extension Coordinator Darrue Sharpe said.
The Farm City Day festivities started with Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Bird of Prey Show, where representatives and professionals handled the birds, owls and raptors. The animals the Raptor Center brought for the show included birds that are found in the Southeast such as the Screech Owl, Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Red Tail Hawk, a Falcon and even a Bald Eagle. Each bird captivated the students more than the last.
Following the Southeastern Raptor Bird of Prey Show, Alabama Representative Van Smith presented a livestock show with local high school’s FFA and 4-H programs showcasing their animals.
“The livestock show really goes to show what these animals are used for and where the food on their plates comes from. This is just a great opportunity for them to learn more about agriculture and appreciate the farming in the area. I do want to thank Representative Smith, he is very involved in the farming and agricultural community, and even judges shows in the area. He has a lot of knowledge on this subject and it’s great he can share his passion with local students,” Sharpe said.
The animals that were showcased were domesticated pigs, goats and cows. Smith highlighted how each animal is used and what their purpose is on the farm. Smith pointed out how some animals are raised for competition and for showing, while others are raised to provide benefits such as meat, milk and dairy products.
“We always host this during Farm City Week and right before Thanksgiving because this is a time of harvest. By having it during this week, we’re really trying to instill in them to not only think about where their food comes from but to also thank a farmer,” Sharp said.
From field to table or from farm to plate, the Alabama Extension helps to instill the value of the local agricultural industry with the observance of Farm City Week. Through Farm City Day, local students will go on to create the next generation in the agricultural industry and the next generation of farmers.
