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CANFIELD, OH — Last week, the Canfield Fairgrounds transformed from a quiet off-season landmark into a bustling outdoor classroom for the first-ever Mahoning County 4th Grade Ag Day.

In a joint effort between the Mahoning County Farm Bureau and The Ohio State University Extension, the event welcomed hundreds of fourth graders—including every 4th grade student from the Youngstown City School District—to bridge the gap between the grocery store shelf and the family farm.

Hands-On Learning at the Fairgrounds

With an “army of volunteers” in attendance, the day was designed to show students that agriculture isn’t just about food—it’s about fiber, fuel, and the environment. Students rotated through 18 interactive stations that brought the textbook to life:
• Dairy & Livestock: Students tried their hand at milking a cow, making fresh butter, and interacting with farm animals.
• The Science of Farming: Stations highlighted the process of producing wool, maple syrup, and honey.
• Modern Machinery: Kids explored the high-tech equipment local farmers use to manage thousands of acres of crops.
• Sustainability: Interactive lessons on watersheds and veterinary science showed the next generation how farmers protect natural resources.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

The event was modeled after a long-standing, successful program in neighboring Ashtabula County. For many of the urban and suburban students in attendance, this was their first face-to-face interaction with a working farmer.

“This event gives students a chance to experience agriculture in a hands-on way,” said Beth Smith, Mahoning County 4-H Youth Development Educator. “For many youth, this is their first opportunity to connect what they see every day—food, clothing, and natural resources—to how those things are produced.”

Jennifer Pemberton, President of the Mahoning County Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of community partnerships, noting that “Ag Day helps students better understand the important role agriculture plays in their daily lives.”