Menu

For the fourth year, Athens County Farm Bureau hosted 400 county fourth grade students for an agriculture education field day that featured the COSI on Wheels program "Agriculture Adventures." In addition to the COSI program, students heard key speakers from Hocking College’s Nature Center with its topic "Birds of Prey" and the Ohio State University 4-H/Extension program on the science of weather.

Students also visited with 10 other presenters on topics such as shrimp production, horse shoeing and soil science among others.

"We are trying to stay close to the standards needed for schools when taking the proficiencies, in addition to incorporating the basic principles of agriculture and our community," said Jill Smith, Athens, Gallia and Lawrence counties’ organization director.

More than 50 volunteers, including students from local FFA chapters and county volunteers, assisted with the event.

Gallia County Farm Bureau hosted a similar event for county fourth grade students.

By incorporating the COSI on Wheels program and other learning stations, students learned more about the No.1 industry in Gallia County.

Educational sessions included bees and honey, fiber spinning and the art of the dulcimer, allowing children to learn about their community as well as their food source. More than 350 students from every school in the county attend the event.

Smith said this year, the county was fortunate to receive donations from local businesses to provide a T-shirt for each student and teacher in attendance. "We hope to make this day bigger and better with each passing year," she said.

This was the fifth year Gallia County hosted the event.

Lawrence County Farm Bureau partnered with the Soil and Water Conservation District and OSU Extension for its education day. Nearly 550 students participated in "Agriculture Adventures" and other exhibits such as spinning, draft horses, the library and pet therapy. Each student received a T-shirt, with the help of community sponsors. Smith said it is the second year for the Lawrence County event.

Caption: Athens County Soil and Water Education Coordinator Gail Doyle leads a session on healthy soils. Photo courtesy Athens County Farm Bureau