As part of celebrating National Ag Week, Geauga County Farm Bureau purchased a Fertilizer Fun Box through Nutrients for Life Foundation to give sixth-grade students the chance to dig into soil science. This year’s Fertilizer Fun Box was donated to Ms. Amy Hochschild’s class at Burton Elementary.

Each Fertilizer Fun Box contains multiple hands-on educational soil science activities that focus on the importance of soil, fertilizer and the 4R stewardship efforts of farmers. Educators receive classroom sets of Nutrients for Life resources, lab materials to aid in the completion of NPK testing, soil porosity and permeability as well as regional soil samples, and an introduction into the life of a 4R advocate.

“I’m so excited to receive this for my classroom,”  Hochschild said, who was referred to as the Mrs. Frizzle of Burton Elementary for all of her energy, passion, and efforts in engaging her students in various creative and fun learning experiences.  Some of those included her creation of a land lab at the former Claridon Elementary School, coordinating Burton Elementary School’s 6th Grade Camp, serving as the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) Club advisor at the school with more than 50 participants, in addition to being the Science Olympiad advisor as well.

To further align with the district’s commitment to Project Based Learning,  Hochschild has even developed a hands-on soil unit, where students will work with local farmers and community members to improve soil quality in the area. In 2019, Hochschild was recognized as Ohio Conservation Teacher of the Year in the elementary category by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Photo: L to R: Katie Nainiger, H2Know Watershed Coordinator, Nutrients for Life Foundation; Amy Hochschild, Burton Elementary Teacher; Mandy Orahood, Geauga County Farm Bureau Organization Director; and Kristen Sirna, Geauga County Farm Bureau board trustee.
New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
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Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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